.^ 


Divlrfon. 

SeclJon. 


Uo,  _... 


THE  CONSTITUTION 

/4I  OF  THE 

'Jcfoniuii  Cliiirtji  in  |.m erica, 


(known  for  a  time  as  the  "reformed  dutch  church,"  and  also 
designated  in  the  act  of  incorporation,  passed  by  the 

legislature    of    new    YORK,   APRIL   7TH,    1819, 

AS   "the   reformed    PROTESTANT 

DUTCH    church,") 

EMBRACING 

THE  CATECHISM,  THE  COMPENDIUM,  THE  CONFESSION 

OF   FAITH,   THE  CANONS  OF  THE  SYNOD   OF 

DORDRECHT,    AND   THE  LITURGY. 


WITH  AN  APPENDIX 

CONTAINING 

I.— FORMULAS  FOR  THE  USE  OF  CHURCHES. 
II.— RULES  FOR  RECEPTION  OF  MINISTERS, 
III.— RULES  OF  ORDER. 


NEW    YORK: 

BOARD    OF    PUBLICATION 

OF  THE 

REFORMED   CHURCH    IN   AMERICA, 

34  Vesey,  Corner  of  Church  St. 
1874. 


PEEFATOEY  JSTOTE 


In  the  year  1867,  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  which  is 
named  in  the  following  pages,  dropped  from  its  ecclesiastical 
name  the  word  "Dutch,"  which  was  first  formally  assumed 
therein  in  the  year  1793,  and  added  the  words  "  in  America," 
60  that  the  said  Church  might  thenceforth  be  known  as  "  The 
Reformed  Church  in  America,"  (See  helow,  Chap.  II.,  Art. 
5,  Sec.  1.)  Yet,  in  order  that  the  absolute  identity  of  "The 
Reformed  Church  in  America "  with  "The  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  "  might  be  subject  to  no  possible  doubt  or  dispute,  it 
was  also  ordained,  that  the  epithet  "Dutch"  should  be  re- 
tained in  all  those  places  in  this  Constitution  in  which  it  ha^l 
previously  been  used  ;  but  should  be  inclosed  in  brackets,  to 
indicate  the  purpose  of  the  Church  to  discourage  the  ecclesi- 
astical and  popular  use  of  the  word  as  part  of  its  name. 


COKTEKTS 


ARTICLE  I. 

Of  the  Offices  in  the  Church. 
Sec.  1.  What  the  offices  in  the  Church  are. 

ARTICLE  II. 
Of  mnisfers  of  the  Word. 

Sec.  1.  Who  is  allowed  to  officiate. 

2.  Student::*  for  the  ministry. 

3.  Examinations  or  licensure. 

4.  Formula  of  subscription  for  same. 

5.  Certificate  of  same. 

6.  Dispensations  from    the    foregoing   requirements   may  be 

granted. 

7.  Candidates  are  not  to  administer  the  sacraments,  nor  be- 

long to  Church  courts. 

8.  Are  under  control  of  the  Clatsis. 

9.  Examination  for  ordination. 

10.  Formula  for  same. 

11.  Manner  of  ordination,  and  certificate  of  same. 

12.  Duties  of  ministerial  office. 

13.  Forbids  ordination  sine  titulo. 

14.  A  minister  may  be  declared  emeritus. 

15.  How  a  dismission  is  to  be  obtained. 

16.  Equality  of  all  ministers. 

17.  Whom  vacant  churches  may  invite  to  officiate. 

18.  What  licentiates    or    ministers  may  be    received   by  the 

Classo-;. 

19.  Examination    of    licentiates    and    miui^^ters     from     other 

churches. 

(5) 


b  COXTENTfi. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Of  Teachers  'in  Theology. 

Sbc.  1.  By  whom  and  how  they  are  to  he  appointed. 
3.  Terms  of  the  office. 

3.  Formula  of  subscription  for  such. 

4.  Cannot  be  pastors  or  member?  of  any  ecclesiastical  assembly. 

5.  Mode  of  resisnin":  the  office. 

6.  Ecclesiastical  relations  of  such.. 

ARTICLE  IV. 
Of  the  Offices  of  Elders  and  Deacons. 

Sec.  1.  Duties  of  the  Elders. 

2.  Duties  of  the  Deacons. 

3.  Who  are  eligible  to  these  offices. 

4.  Mode  of  election  in  forming  new  churches. 

5.  Modes  of  election  in  churches  already  organized. 

6.  Term  of  office  limited. 

7.  One-half  of  the  number  to  be  elected  annually. 

ARTICLE  V. 
Of  Ecclesiastical  Assemblies  in  General. 

Sec,  1.  Specifies  three  kinds. 

2.  What  business  may  be  done. 

3.  Must  begin  and  conclude  with  prayer. 

4.  Members  must  have  credentials  signed  by  those  who  send 

them. 

5.  The  officers  and  their  duties. 

6.  The  jurisdiction  of  each  kind  of  assembly. 

7.  Protests  forbidden. 


ARTICLE  VI. 

Of  Consistories. 

Sbc,  1.  Who  form  a  Consistory. 

2.  The  joint  and  the  respective  powers  of  Elders  and  Deacons. 

3.  Not  to  be  constituted  without  advice  of  Claesis. 

4.  What  constitutes  a  quorum. 


CONTENTS.  7 

5.  Duties  of  Ministers  and  FAders—cetisui'a  morum. 
(>.  Terms  of  admi^^sion  to  full  communion. 

7.  Registries  to  l)e  kept  and  reports  made. 

8.  Minutes  to  be  kept  and  laid  before  Classis. 

9.  Members  removing  must  obtain  a  certificate  of  dismisgion. 

10.  Consistories  have  the  right  to  call  ministers. 

11.  Steps  to  be  taken  in  making  a  call. 

12.  Form  of  a  call. 

13.  Heidelbergh  Catechism  to  be  explained. 

14.  Ipso  facto  dismissions. 

15.  Of  Consistories  united  in  calling  a  minister. 

16.  Great  Consistory  and  its  powers. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Of  the  Classis. 

Sec.  1.  What  constitutes  a  Classis. 
2.  Powers  of  a  Classis. 
.3.  Its  examination  of  students  and  candidates. 

4.  Subscriptions  to  the  formulas  to  be  recorded. 

5.  Special  meetings. 

6.  Ordinary  meetings. 

7.  Yearly  inquiries  to  be  made  of  each  minister  and  elder,  and 

answer  recorded. 


ARTICLE  VIII. 

Of  the  Particiil'ir  8ynod. 

Skc.  1.  Its  Constitution— Quorum. 

2.  Its  powers. 

3.  Correspondence  with  other  Synods. 

4.  Deputatus  or  Commissioner  of  Synod. 

5.  To  inspect  Classical  minutes,  and  report  to  General  Synod. 

6.  Stated  and  special  meetings. 

ARTICLE  IX. 

Of  the  GeneraZ  Synod. 

Sec.  1.  Its  Constitution. 

2   Condition  of  membership. 


CONTENTS. 

3.  rts  quorum. 

4.  Its  powers. 

5.  iVIay  grant  dispeusations  to  Classes  in  foreign  mission  fields. 

6.  How  a  special  meeting  may  be  called. 


ARTICLE  X 
Of  Customs  and 

Sec.  1.  How  baptism  is  to  be  administered. 

2.  How  the  Lord's  Supper  is  to  be  administered. 

3.  How  often  the  Lord's  Supper  is  to  be  administered. 

4.  The  order  of  worship  prescribed. 

5.  What  Psalmody  may  be  used. 


ARTICLE  XL 

Of  Discipline  in  General. 

Sec.  1.  Nature  and  object  of  discipline. 

2.  Founded  only  upon  Scripture. 

3.  Who  are  amenable  to  the  Church. 


ARTICLE  XII. 
Of  Offences. 

Sec.  1.  "What  are  private  offences. 

2.  Preliminary  proceedings  required. 

3.  Penalty  for  neglect  of  these. 

4.  Public  offences  defined. 

5.  In  these,  no  previous  steps  required. 

6.  What  is  fama  clamom. 

7.  Principal  offence;?  for  which  the  punishment  is  suspension, 

or  removal  from  office. 

8.  Rule  in  1  Tim.  v.  H),  to  be  observed. 

9.  Duty  of  Consistories  in  case  the  minister  has  committed 

public  gross  sin. 
10.  Duty  of  Consistories  in  case  an  elder  or  deacon  is  thus 
guilty. 
11.  Conviction  of  crime  by  a  civil  court  works  suspension  ipso 
facto. 


(•(»XTi;.\rs. 

ARTICLE    Xril. 

Of  P?'jcetis  and  Trial. 

Sec.  1.  Wirv  in  which  process  mny  begin. 

2.  Cliargcs  mn?^t  be  accurately  defined  and  speci£ed. 
:i.  Canlion  to  be  used  in  receivini,'  accusations. 

4.  How  citations  are  to  be  issued. 

5.  Kigbts  of  the  accused. 

6.  Nature  (fa  second  citati  n  when  the  first  is  disregarded. 

7.  Witnesses  to  be  sworn  or  affirmed. 

8.  How  many  required— their  evidence  to  be  recorded. 

9.  Statute  of  limitation. 

10.  Wlnit  counsel  may  be  employed. 

11.  When  suspension  or  excommunication  may  be  imposed. 

12.  The  various  steps  in  excommunication. 

13.  The  way  of  restoring  a  penitent  excommunicated  person. 


Ar.TICLE  XIV. 
Appeals  and  Complaints. 

Skc.  1.  Individuals  or  judicatories  may  appeal. 

2.  >iotice  of  intention  to  appeal  must  be  given. 

3.  The  appeal  and  reasons  of  appeal  must  be  sent  to  the  pres- 

ident of  the  body  appealed  to. 

4.  An  appeal  may  lie  over  till  another  meeting. 

5.  Judicatories  trying  appeals  must  record  the  reasons  for  their 

decisions. 

6.  Judicatories  whose  decision  is  appealed  from  must  transmit 

a  certified  copy  of  their  action  to  the  next  higher  court. 

7.  Judicatories    may    send    commissioners    to    explain    their 

action. 

8.  In  certain  cases,  Particnlar  Synods  are  courts  of  final  appeal. 

9.  Objections  to  incidental  decisions  must  be  noted. 

10.  Voters  in  a  lower  court  not  to  vote  in  the  higher  in  an 

appellate  case. 

11.  Complaints  allowed  from  others  than  the  parties. 

12.  Such  complaints  bring  up  the  whole  case. 

13.  Notice  of  complaint  must  be  given. 


10 


AUTKLE  XV. 

Of  Hules  and  Aynendments. 

Sbc.  1.  General  Synod  authorized  to  do  what  is  needful  to  carry  the 
Constitution  into  effect. 
2.  How  alterations  may  be  made. 


i:^TEODrCTIO]^. 


Fob  the  maintenance  of  good  order  in  the  Church  of 
Christ,  it  is  necessary  there  should  be  certain  Offices 
and  Assemblies,  and  a  strict  attention  to  Doctrines, 
Sacraments,  Usages  and  Christian  Discipline;  of  all 
which  the  following  ecclesiastical  ordinances  particu- 
larly treat. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Of  the  Offices  in  the  Church. 
Sec.  1.  The  OflSces  in  the  Church  are  fourfold,  viz : 

1.  The  Office  of  Ministers  of  the  Word. 

2.  The  Office  of  Teachers  of  Theology. 

3.  The  Office  of  Elders. 

4.  The  Office  of  Deacons^ 

ARTICLE  II. 
Of  Ministers  of  the  Word. 

Sec.  1.  No  person  shall  be  allowed  to  exercise  the  of- 
fice of  a  Minister,  without  being  thereinto  regularly  in- 
ducted, according  to  the  Word  of  God,  and  the  order  es- 
tablished by  the  Church. 

Sec.  2.  Every  person  contemplating  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  before  he  commences  his  course  of  Theological 
studies,  shall  furnish  satisfactory  evidence  of  his  being  a 
member,  in  full  communion  and  in  good  standing,  of  a 
Reformed  Protestant  Church  ;  of  his  piety,  abilities  and 

(11) 


12  OONSTITUTIOX. 

literary  attainments  ;  aud  thereupon  shall  be  admitted 
into  one  of  the  Theological  Schools  ;  and,  during  the 
prosecution  of  his  studies  there,  shall  be  subject  to  the 
rules  aud  regulations  thereof;  and,  when  he  shall  have 
completed  the  prescribed  course  and  term  of  Theological 
studies,  shall  be  admitted  to  an  examination  according  to 
the  regulations  of  the  schools,  as  established  by  the 
General  Synod  :  and,  if  found  qualified,  shall  receive  a 
professorial  certificate  to  that  effect,  which  shall  emitle 
him  to  an  examination  for  licensure  before  the  Classis  to 
which  he  belongs. 

Sec.  3.  In  the  examination,  strict  attention  shall  be 
paid  to  the  attainments  of  the  student,  not  only  in  the 
original  languages  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  in  Biblical 
literature,  in  composition,  and  his  method  of  sermonizing, 
but  he  shall  be  especially  examined  respecting  his  know- 
ledge in  Theology,  his  orthodoxy,  his  piety,  and  his 
views  in  desiring  to  become  a  preacher  of  the  Gt-spel. 

Sec.  4.  Whoever,  upon  examination,  shall  be  approved 
by  the  Classis,  must,  before  he  is  licensed,  attest  his  ad- 
herence to  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  by  subscribing  the 
following  formula,  viz  : 

"  We,  the  underwritten,  testify,  that  the  Heidelberg 
Catechism,  and  the  Confession  of  the  Netherland  churches, 
as  also  the  Canons  of  the  National  Synod  of  Dordreclit, 
held  in  the  years  1618  and  1619,  are  fully  comformable  to 
the  Word  of  God,  We  promise,  moreover,  that,  as  far  as 
we  are  able,  we  will,  with  all  faithfulness,  teach  and  de- 
fend, both  in  public  and  private,  the  doctrines  established 
in  the  standards  aforesaid.  And,  should  ever  any  part  of 
these  doctrines  appear  to  us  dubious,  we  will  not  divulge 
the  same  to  the  people,  nor  disturb  the  peace  of  the 
Church,  or  of  any  community  ;  but  will  communicute  our 
sentime«ts  to  the  ecclesiastical  judicatories  under  which 


MINISTEES.  13 

we  stand,  and  subject  ourselves  to  tlie  counsel  and  sen- 
tence of  the  same. " 

Sec.  5.  After  snbsciibing^  the  aforesaid  formula,  the 
candidate  shall  be  entitled  to  a  certificate,  or  testimonial, 
signed  by  the  President  of  the  Classic  before  which  the 
examination  is  held,  containing  a  license  to  preach  the 
Gospel  ;  which  license  may,  for  cause,  be  revoked  by  the 
Classis. 

Sec.  6.  Any  person  of  whose  gifts,  piety  and  promise  of 
usefulness  the  Classis  is  satisfied,  may  be  recommended 
by  the  same  to  the  General  Synod  for  a  dispensation  from 
any  of  the  above  requirements  as  to  study.  Such  recom- 
mendation shall  always  be  accompanied  by  a  full  state- 
ment of  the  reasons  for  the  same.  And  no  dispensation 
shall  in  any  case  be  granted  except  by  the  General  Synod, 
and  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Classis, 

Sec.  7.  A  candidate  for  the  ministry  may  not,  under  any 
pretence  whatever,  administer  the  sacraments  ;  nor  can 
he  be  a  delegate  to  represent  a  church  in  any  ecclesiastical 
assembly. 

Sec.  8.  Every  candidate  for  the  ministry  is  to  consider 
himself  under  the  immediate  direction  of  the  Classis  which 
examined  him,  and  is  to  visit  such  congregations,  and 
preach  in  those  places  to  which  the  Classis  shall  send 
him  ;  but,  if  no  particular  directions  are  given,  he  may 
preach  at  his  own  discretion  in  any  congregation  that 
shall  invite  him. 

Sec.  9,  A  candidate  who  has  accepted  a  call,  must  be 
examined  for  his  becoming  a  minister.  In  this  final  ex- 
amination, besides  a  repetition  of  his  previous  trials  in 
composition  and  sermonizing,  the  original  languages  of 
the  sacred  Scriptures,  Biblical  literature,  and  his  know- 
ledge cf  Theology,  as  well  Didactic  as  Polemic,  he  shall  be 
interrogated  respecting  the  nature  and  administration  of 


14  CONSTITUTION. 

the  Sacraments,  the  duties  of  the  ministry,  and  his  know, 
ledge  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  and  of  Church  Government. 

Sec.  10.  Upon  giving  satisfaction  in  this  examination, 
the  candidate  shall  subscribe  the  following  formula,  viz : 

"  We,  the  underwritten,  in  becoming  Ministers  of  the 
Word  of  God,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Classis  of  N.  N.,  do 
hereby  sincerely,  and  in  good  conscience  before  the  Lord, 
declare,  by  this  our  subscription,  that  we  heartily  believe, 
and  are  persuaded,  that  all  the  articles  and  points  of  doc- 
trine contained  in  the  Confession  and  Catechism  of  the 
Reformed  (Dutch)  Church,  together  with  the  explanation 
of  some  points  of  the  aforesaid  doctrine  made  in  the  Na- 
tional Synod,  held  at  Dordrecht,  in  the  year  1619,  do  fully 
agree  with  the  Word  of  God.  We  promise,  therefore, 
diligently  to  teach,  and  faithfully  to  defend,  the  aforesaid 
doctrine,  without  either  directly  or  indirectl}^  contradicting 
the  same  by  our  pul)lic  preaching  or  writings.  We  de- 
clare, moreover,  that  we  not  only  reject  all  errors  that 
militate  against  this  doctrine,  and  particularly  those 
which  are  condemned  in  the  above-mentioned  Synod,  but 
that  we  are  disposed  to  refute  and  contradict  them,  and  to 
exert  ourselves  in  keeping  the  Church  pure  from  such 
errors.  And,  if  hereafter,  any  difficulties  or  different 
sentiments  respecting  the  aforesaid  doctrine  should  arise 
in  our  minds,  we  promise  that  we  will  neither  publicly 
nor  privately  propose,  teach  or  defend  the  same,  either  by 
preaching  or  writing,  until  we  have  first  revealed  such 
sentiment  to  the  Classis,  that  the  same  may  be  there 
examined  ;  being  ready  always  cheerfully  to  submit  to 
the  judgment  of  the  Classis,  under  the  penalty,  in  case  of 
refusal,  to  be  ip5(?/ac^o  suspended  from  our  office.  And, 
if  at  any  time  the  Consistor}',  or  Classis,  upon  sufficient 
grounds  of  suspicion,  and  to  preserve  the  uniformity  and 
purity  of  doctrine,  may  deem  it  proper  to  require  of  us  an 


MmiSTERS.  15 

explanation  of  our  sentiments  respecting  any  particular 
article  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  the  Catechism,  or  the 
explanation  of  the  National  Synod,  we  do  hereby  pi  omise 
to  be  always  willing-  and  ready  to  comply  with  such  re- 
quisition, under  the  penalty  above  mentioned,  reserving, 
however,  to  ourselves,  the  right  of  an  appeal,  whenever 
we  shall  conceive  oui'selves  aggrieved  by  the  action  of  the 
Consistory  or  Classis  ;  and,  until  a  decision  is  made  upon 
such  appeal,  we  will  acquiesce  in  the  determination  and 
judgment  already  passed." 

Sec.  11.  The  Classis  before  which  the  examination  of  a 
candidate  is  held  shall  fix  a  day  for  his  ordination,  which 
ordination  shall  be  conducted  by  the  Classis  with  proper 
solemnity ;  a  sermon  suited  to  the  occasion  shall  be 
preached,  and  the  promises,  directions,  explanations  of 
duty,  with  a  laying  on  of  hands,  shall  be  agreeable  to  the 
form  for  that  end  expressly  made  and  adopted  ;  after 
which  a  certificate  of  his  ordination,  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, shall  be  given. 

Sec.  13.  The  office  of  a  Minister  is  to  persevere  in  prayer 
and  the  ministry  of  the  Word  ;  to  dispense  the  Sacra- 
ments ;  to  watch  over  his  brethren,  the  Elders  and  Dea- 
cons, as  well  as  over  the  whole  congregation  ;  and  lastly, 
in  conjunction  with  the  Elders,  to  exercise  Christian  dis- 
cipline, and  to  be  careful  that  all  things  be  done  decently 
and  in  good  order.  Every  Minister  must  consider  him- 
self as  wholly  devoted  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  the  ser- 
vices of  the  Church,  and  shall  faithfully  fulfill  the  obliga- 
tions of  his  call,  in  preaching,  catechizing,  and  visiting 
his  flock  ;  and  be  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season  ;  and, 
by  word  and  example,  always  promote  the  spiritual  ^vel- 
fare  of  his  people. 

Sec.  13.  No  person  shall  be  ordained  to  the  ministry  of 
the  Word,  without  settling  in  some  congregation,  except 


16  CONSTITUTION^. 

for  missionary  work  under  the  direction  of  the  Classis,  or  in 
foreign  lands  ;  and  no  person,  when  ordained,  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  relinquish  his  calling  as  a  Minister  for  any  secu- 
lar avocation,  except  for  important  reasons,  concerning 
which  the  Classis  shall  inquire  and  determine. 

Sec.  14.  Ministei-s  who,  by  reason  of  old  age,  or  hab- 
itual sickness  and  infirmities,  either  of  mind  or  body,  are 
not  ctpable  of  fulfilling  the  duties  of  the  ministry,  may, 
upon  application,  and  sufficient  proof  of  such  incapacity 
being  made  to  the  Classis,  be  declared  emeriti,  and  be 
excused  trom  all  further  services  in  the  (  hurch  during 
such  infirmity  ;  leserving,  however,  to  them  the  title, 
rank,  and  character  which,  before  such  declaration,  they 
enjoyed.  In  all  such  cases,  before  the  Classis  declares  any 
Minister  ementus,  they  may  require  a  stipulation  in  writ- 
ing from  the  Consistory  to  which  he  belongs,  under  their 
common  seal,  and  signed  by  their  President,  to  pay  such 
Minister  annually,  in  h  Jf  yearly  payments,  during  his 
exemption  from  pastoral  service,  for  his  support,  such 
sum  as  the  Classis  shall  deem  reasonable,  having  due 
regard  to  the  stated  salary  of  such  Minister,  and  the 
situation  and  ability  of  the  congregation.  This  stipula- 
tion shall  at  any  time  be  subject  to  modification  or  dis- 
continuance by  the  Classis. 

Sec,  15.  For  the  regular  application  for  dismission  of  a 
Minister  from  his  charge,  it  is  required  that  a  neighbor- 
ing Minister  6f  the  same  Classis  to  which  the  congrega- 
tion belongs,  be  invited  to  be  present,  and  superintend 
the  application  for  said  dismission  of  the  Minister  from 
his  congregation,  countersign  it,  and  deliver  it,  with  a 
report  upon  the  subject,  to  the  Classis,  which  report  and 
document  shall  serve  as  a  basis  upon  which  the  final  dis- 
mission and  certificate  of  the  Classis  shall  be  founded. 
But  it  is  provided,  that  whenever  either  Minister  or  Con- 


Ml^ISTKKS.  IT 

sistory  shall  not  join  in  tlio  application,  that  fact  shall  be 
plainly  stated  in  the  report  above  described,  in  which 
case  no  dismission  shall  be  made  by  the  Classis  except 
after  a  hearino-  of  both  Minister  and  Consistory  in  open 
Classis,  of  which  hearinpr  ten  days'  notice  shall  have  first 
been  given  to  both  parties  by  the  President  of  the  Classis, 
whose  warrant  for  such  notice,  and  call  of  Classis,  shall 
be  the  report  as  above  described.  Nor  shall  any  dismis- 
sion be  effected  under  circumstances  now  specified,  ex- 
cept by  a  vote  of  two- thirds  of  the  members  of  the  Classis 
present. 

Sec.  16.  All  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  are  equal  in  rank 
and  authority  ;  all  are  Bishops  or  overseers  in  the  Church; 
nnd  all  are  equal  Stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God.  No 
superioiity  shall,  therefore,  be  ever  claimed  or  acknow- 
ledged by  one  Minister  over  another;  nor  shall  there  be 
any  lords  over  God's  heritage  in  the  Reformed  (Dutch) 
Churches. 

Sec.  17.  Consistories  of  vacant  congregations  shall  not 
invite  or  permit  Ministers  of  other  denominations,  whose 
characters  and  standing  are  not  known,  to  preach  within 
their  bounds,  unless  they  exhibit  satisfactory  evidence  in 
writing,  of  a  recent  date,  of  their  regular  authority  for 
that  purpose,  and  their  good  standing ;  and,  in  all  doubt- 
ful cases,  such  Consis  oiies  shall  consult  a  Standing  Com- 
mittee of  Classis,  to  be  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

Sec.  18.  The  Classis  shall  leceive  no  Licentiates  or 
Ministers  under  their  care  from  any  body  of  professing 
Christians  who  maintain  doctrines  different  from  those  of 
the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Church,  without  an  open  and  ex- 
plicit declaration,  on  their  part,  that  they  have  renounced 
such  doctrines,  as  contrary  to  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
the  standards  of  our  Church. 

Sec.  19.  If  any  apjOication  be  made  for  the  admission 


18  CONSTITUTION. 

of  a  Licentiate  or  Minister  from  other  churches,  it  shall 
he  the  duty  of  the  Classis  to  subject  him  to  such  examind- 
tion  as  shall  enable  them  to  proceed  with  freedom  in  his 
case. 

ARTICLE    in. 
Of  Teachers  of  Theohgy. 

Sec.  1.  As  it  is  of  the  frreatest  importance  that  Profes- 
sors of  Theolojory  should  be  sound  in  the  faith,  possess 
abilities  t)  teach,  and  have  the  confidence  of  the  churches, 
they  shall  always,  for  the  greater  security,  be  chosen  and 
appointed  by  a  vote  of  three-fourths  of  the  members 
present  in  the  General  Synod.  To  prevent,  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, the  unhappy  consequences  of  partiality,  haste,  or 
undue  influence  in  obtaining  an  office  of  such  consequence 
jto  the  Church,  a  nomination  of  one  or  more  candidates 
shall  be  ijreviously  made,  upon  which  the  Synod  shall  fix 
a  day  when  they  will  proceed  to  an  election ;  provided 
that  no  appointment  of  a  Professor  of  Theology  shall  ever 
be  made  on  the  same  day  on  which  he  is  nominated ;  and 
provided  also  that  no  one  nominated  f^hall  be  set  aside, 
except  by  the  regular  piocess  of  balloting  for  an  election. 
An  instrument,  certifying  the  appointment,  and  specifying 
the  general  duties  of  the  office,  shall  be  signeil  in  the 
presence  of  the  General  Synod,  by  the  President  thereof, 
and  by  him  be  given,  in  the  name  of  the  Church,  to  the 
person  elected. 

Sec.  3.  No  person  shall  be  appointed  to  the  office  of  a 
Professor  avIio  is  not  a  Minister  in  good  standing;  and 
every  Professor  of  Tht-ology  shall  continue  in  his  office 
during  life,  unless  in  case  of  such  misbehavior  as  shall  be 
deemed  a  violation  of  the  obligations  entered  into  at  his 
appointment;  or  unless  he  voluntarily  deserts  or  resigns 
his  profession,  or  from  age  or  infirmities  becomes  in<a})able 


PROFESSORS.  19 

of  fulfilling-  the  duties  thereof;  of  all  which  the  General 
Synod  alone  sha'l  judo-e:  and  to  that  Synod  a  Professor 
of  Theolog:y  shall  always  be  amenable  for  his  doctrine, 
raode  of  teachino-,  iind  moral  conduct. 

Sec.  3.  No  Professo'-  of  Theolocry  shall  be  permitted  to 
ofiiciate  until  he  shall  have  subscribed  the  following 
formula,  viz  :  "  We,  the  underwiitten,  in  becoming-  Pro- 
fessors of  Sacred  Theology  in  tlie  Reformed  (Dutch)  Church, 
by  this  our  SLlb^^criplion,  up'ig'htly,  and  in  j^ood  conscience 
before  (iod,  declare  that  we  heartily  believe,  and  are  per- 
suaded, ihat  all  the  articles,  and  jxnnts  of  doctiine,  con- 
tained in  the  Confession  and  Catechism  of  the  Reformed 
(Dutch)  Church,  together  with  the  explanation  of  some 
points  of  the  said  doctrine,  made  in  the  National  Synod, 
held  at  Dordrecht,  in  the  year  1619,  do  fully  agree  with 
ihe  Word  of  God.  We  promise,  therefore,  that  we  will 
diligently  teach,  and  faithfully  defend,  the  aforesaid  doc- 
trine; and  that  we  will  not  inculcate  or  write,  either 
publicly  or  privately,  directly  or  indirectly,  anything 
against  the  same,  ^•^s,  also,  that  we  reject  not  only  all 
the  errors  which  militate  against  this  doctrine,  and  par- 
ticularly those  which  are  condemned  in  the  above-men- 
tioned Synod,  but  that  we  are  disposed  to  refute  the  same, 
openly  to  oppo  e  them,  and  to  exert  ourselves  in  keeping 
the  Church  pure  from  such  errors.  Should  it  nevertheless 
hereafter  happen  that  any  objections  against  the  doctrine 
might  arise  in  our  minds,  or  we  entertain  different  senti- 
uients,  we  promise  that  we  will  not,  either  publicly  or 
privately,  propose,  teach,  or  defend,  the  same,  by  preach- 
ing or  writing,  until  we  have  fir  t  fully  revealed  such 
sentiments  to  the  General  Synod,  to  whom  we  are  respon- 
sible;  that  our  o[iinions  m^y,  in  the  said  General  Synd, 
reieive  a  thorough  examination,  being  ready  alwa\  a  cheer- 
fully to  submit  to  the  judgment  ot    the  (Jeneral  Synod, 


20  CONSTITiriOX. 

under  the  penalty,  in  case  of  refusal,  to  be  censured  by  the 
said  Synod.  And  whenever  the  General  Synod,  upon 
suliicient  grounds  of  suspicion,  and  to  preserve  the  uni- 
formity and  purity  of  doctrines,  may  deem  it  proper  to 
demand  from  us  a  more  particular  explanation  of  our 
sentiments  respecting  any  article  of  the  aforesaid  Confes- 
sion, Catechism,  or  Explanation  of  the  National  Synod,  we 
promise  hereby  to  be  always  willing  and  ready  to  comply 
with  such  demand,  under  the  penalty  before  mentioned  ; 
reserving  to  ourselves  the  right  of  rehearing,  or  a  new 
trial,  if  we  shall  conceive  ourselves  aggrieved  in  the  sen- 
tence of  the  General  Synod ;  during  the  dependence  of 
such  new  trial,  we  promise  to  acquiesce  in  the  judgment 
already  passed,  as  well  as  finally  to  submit,  without  dis- 
turbing tlie  peace  of  the  churches,  to  the  ultimate  decision 
of  the  said  General  Synod." 

Sec.  4.  No  Professor,  while  in  office,  shall  have  the 
pastoral  charge  of  any  congregation,  or  sit  as  a  member 
of  any  ecclesiastical  assembly  or  judicatory  ;  but  as  a  Min- 
ister of  the  Gospel,  may  preach,  and  administer,  or  assist 
in  administering  the  Sacraments  in  any  congregation, 
with  the  consent  of  the  Minister  or  Consistory. 

Sec.  5.  A  Professor  shall  not  be  at  liberty  to  resign  his 
office  without  the  consent  of  the  General  Synod,  except 
upon  giving  three  months'  previous  notice  to  the  President 
of  that  body,  of  bis  intention  so  to  do. 

Sec.  6.  A  Professor  of  Theology,  being  amenable  only 
to  the  General  Synod,  shall,  when  entering  on  the  dis 
charge  of  his  duties,  take  a  dismissal  from  the  judicatory 
with  which  he  is  connected ;  and  on  retiring  from  office 
shall  be  dismissed  to  such  ecclesiastical  judicatory  as  he 
mav  elect. 


ELDERS    AND    DEACONS.  21 

ARTICLE    IV. 

Of  the  Offices  of  Elders  and  Deacons. 

Sec.  1.  The  oflBce  of  Elders  is,  in  conjunction  witli  the 
Ministers  of  the  Word,  to  exercise  Christian  discipline, 
and  to  be  careful  that  all  things  be  done  decently  and  in 
order ;  to  take  heed  that  the  Ministers,  topfether  with 
their  fellow  Elders  and  Deacons,  faithfully  discharge  their 
respective  duties ;  and  also,  especially  before  or  after  the 
Jjord's  Supper,  as  time  and  circumstances  permit,  and  as 
shall  be  most  for  the  edification  of  the  congregation,  to 
assist  in  performing  visitations,  in  order  particularly  to 
instruct  and  comfort  the  members  in  full  communion,  as 
well  as  to  exhort  others  to  the  regular  profession  of  the 
Christian  religion. 

Sec.  2.  The  office  peculiar  to  the  Deacons  is  diligently 
to  collect  the  alms  and  other  moneys  appropriated  for  the 
use  of  the  poor,  and,  with  the  advice  of  the  Consistory, 
cheerfully  and  faithfully  to  distribute  the  same  to 
strangers,  as  well  as  to  those  of  their  own  household, 
according  to  the  measure  of  their  resj.ective  necessities; 
to  visit  and  comfort  the  distressed,  and.  to  he  careful  that 
the  alms  be  not  misused  ;  of  the  distribution  of  which 
they  shall  render  an  account  in  Consistory,  at  such  time 
as  the  said  Consistory  shall  determine,  and  in  the  presence 
of  so  many  of  the  congregation  as  may  choose  to  attend. 
Should  more  be  collected  than  the  necessities  of  the  poor 
may  require,  such  surplus  may,  with  the  consent  of  the 
Consistory,  be  devoted  to  other  purposes,  connected  with 
the  want>i  of  the  Church. 

Sec.  3.  In  all  cases  the  Elders  and  Deacons  s'nall  be 
chosen  from  tiie  male  members  of  the  Church,  in  full 
communion. 

Sec.  4.  In  forming  new  churches,  the  Elders  and  Dea- 


22  CONSTITUTION. 

cons  shall  be  chosen  by  the  male  communicants,  and  a 
neighboring  Minister  of  the  Rf  formed  Church  shall  pre- 
side, and  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  such  election  shall 
be  published,  at  least  two  Sabbaths,  in  the  church,  or 
usual  place  of  worship,  previous  to  the  election. 

Sec.  5.  In  churches  already  organized,  the  manner  of 
choosing  Elders  and  Deacons  shall  be  as  follows  : — A  double 
number  may  be  nominated  by  the  Consistory,  out  of  which 
the  members  of  the  Church  in  full  communion  may  choose 
those  who  shall  serve  ;^or,  all  the  said  members  may 
unite  in  nominating  and  choosing  the  whole  number 
without  a  previous  nomination  by  the  Consistory ;— or,  the 
Consistory  for  the  time  being,  as  representing  all  the 
members,  may  choose  the  whole.  The  result  of  such 
choice  shall  be  published  in  the  church,  or  usual  place  of 
worship  of  the  congregation,  three  successive  Sabbaths 
previous  to  their  ordination,  to  the  end  that  all  lawful 
objections  to  such  ordination  may  be  offered  to,  and  duly 
adjudicated  by,  the  Consistory.  But  where  either  of  these 
modes  has  for  many  years  been  followed  in  any  church, 
there  shall  be  no  variation  or  change  but  by  previous  ap- 
plication of  the  Consistory  to  the  Classis,  and  express 
leave  first  obtained  for  altering  such  custom. 

Sec.  6.  The  Elders  and  Deacons  shall  be  chosen  to 
serve  two  years,  except  in  cases  of  vacancy  occasioned  by 
death,  removal  out  of  the  congregation,  resignation,  or 
dismission  from  oflace  by  a  judicial  sentence  of  the  Con- 
sistory ;  in  either  of  which  cases,  the  person  or  persons 
chosen  shall  serve  for  the  residue  of  the  term  only. 

Sec.  7.  In  order  to  avoid  the  inconvenience  of  an  entire 
change  at  one  time,  the  first  Elders  and  Deacons  of  new 
congregations  shall,  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  Consistory 
after  their  ordination,  determine,  by  lot,  who  of  their  num- 
ber shall  serve  one  year,  and  who  shall  serve  two  years; 


ASSEMBLIES.  23 

BO  that  one  half  of  the  whole  number  of  both  Elders  and 
Deacons  may  thereafter  be  elected  annually.  The  same 
course  shall  be  pursued  in  enlar^injy  Consistories,  so  far 
as  relates  to  the  additional  members.  Elders  and  Deacons 
may  be  reelected,  but  in  such  case  need  not  be  re- 
ordained. 

ARTICLE  V. 

Of  Ecclesiastical  AssemUies  in  General. 
Sec.  1.    The  Ecclesiastical  Assemblies  which  shall  be 
maintained  are  : 

1.  Consistorial. 
3.  Classical. 
3.  Synodical. 

Sec.  2.  In  these  assemblies,  ecclesiastical  matters  only 
shall  be  transacted,  and  that  in  an  ecclesiastical  manner. 
A  greater  assembly  shall  take  cognizance  of  those  things 
alone  which  could  not  be  determined  in  a  less,  or  that  ap- 
pertain to  the  churches  or  congregations  in  general,  which 
compose  such  an  assembly. 

Sec.  3.  The  transactions  of  all  Ecclesiastical  Assemblies 
shall  begin  and  conclude  with  prayer. 

Sec  4.  Those  who  are  delegated  to  attend  the  assem- 
blies shall  be  admitted  on  credentials,  signed  by  those  who 
send  them  ;  and  such  only  shall  be  entitled  to  a  vote. 

Sec.  5.  In  all  assemblies  there  shall  be  a  President  and 
Clerk.  The  duty  of  the  President  shall  be  to  state  and 
explain  the  business  which  is  to  be  transacted,  to  preserve 
order,  and,  in  general,  to  maintain  that  decorum  and  dig- 
nity becoming  a  judicatory  of  the  Church  of  Christ.  The 
duty  of  the  Clerk  shall  be  to  keep  a  faithful  record  of  all 
the  proceedings. 

Sec.  6.  A  Claseis  has  the  same  jarisdic  i  n  over  a  Con- 


24:  CONSTITUTION. 

sistory,  which  a  Particular  Synod  has  over  a  Classis,  and 
the  General  Synod  over  a  Particular. 

Sec.  7.  No  member  of  an  Ecclesiastical  Assembly  shall 
be  allowed  to  protest  against  any  of  its  acts  ;  any  member 
who  dissents  from  any  such  acts  shall  have  a  right  to  re- 
quire the  names  of  all  the  members  present  who  vote  for 
or  against  the  same,  to  be  entered  in  the  minutes,  and  pub- 
lished therewith  for  the  information  of  all  concerned. 


ARTICLE    VI. 

Of  Consistories. 

Sec.  1.  The  Elders  and  Deacons,  together  with  the  Min- 
ister or  Ministers,  if  an}',  shall  form  a  Consistory,  and  the 
Minister  shall  preside  at  all  consistorial  meetings  ;  but,  in 
the  absence  of  a  Minister,  the  Consistory  may  appoint  one 
of  the  Elders  to  be  their  President  pro.  tern.,  and  it  shall 
be  competen;  for  the  sevewil  Consistories  to  prescribe  the 
mode  and  time  of  calling  their  meetings.  If  there  be  a 
plurality  of  ministers,  they  shall  preside  in  rotation. 

Sec.  2.  When  joined  together  in  one  Board,  the  Elders 
and  Deacons  have  an  equal  voice  in  whatever  relates  to 
the  temporalities  of  the  Church,  to  the  calling  or  dismis- 
sion of  a  Minister,  or  the  choice  of  th^ir  own  successors; 
in  all  which  they  are  considered  as  the  general  and  joint 
representatives  of  the  people.  But  in  admitting  members 
to  full  communion,  and  in  dismissing  them  to  other 
churches ;  in  exercising  discipline  upon  those  who  have 
erred  from  the  faith,  or  offended  in  morals ;  and  in  choos- 
ing delegates  to  attend  the  Classis,  the  Elders,  Avith  the 
Ministers,  have  alone  a  voice. 

Sec.  3.  No  Consistory  shall  be  constituted  in  any  place 
without  the  previous  advice  and  concurrence  of  Classis. 

Sec.  4    A  majority  of   the   Consistory,   ri'gularly  con- 


CONSISTORIES.  25 

vened,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  busiiness  ; 
and,  iu  like  manner,  a  majority  of  Ministers  and  Elders 
alone,  or  of  Deacons  alone,  so  convened,  shall  be  a  quorum 
respectively.  Tt  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Consistory,  when 
an  election  shall  have  been  omitted  at  the  usual  time,  to 
a[ipoint  another  time  for  that  purpose,  on  an  early  day, 
givir  g  the  like  notice  as  herein  above  prescribed  ;  and.  in 
like  manner,  to  provide  for  fi  ling  vacancies. 

Sec.  5.  As  the  spiritual  government  of  theconnrea-ation 
is  committed  to  the  Ministers  and  Elders,  it  is  iheir  duty 
at  all  times  to  be  vigilant,  to  preserve  discipline,  and  to 
promote  the  peace  and  spiritual  interest  of  the  congrega- 
tion. Particularly  before  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  a  faithful  and  solemn  inquiry  is  to  be  made  by  the 
President,  whether,  to  the  knowledge  of  those  j^resent, 
any  member  in  full  communion  has  departed  from  the 
faith,  or  iu  walk  or  conversation  has  behaved  unworthy 
the  Chiistian  profession;  that  such  as  are  guilty  may  be 
properly  rebuked,  admonished,  or  suspended  from  the  priv- 
ilege of  approaching  the  Lord's  Table,  and  all  offences  may 
be  removed  out  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

Sec.  6.  None  can  be  rec  ived  as  members  in  full  com- 
munion, unless  tliey  first  shall  have  made  a  confession  vf 
their  faitu  before  the  Minister  (if  any)  and  the  Elders,  or 
have  produced  a  certificate  of  their  being  members  in  full 
communion  of  some  Evangelical  Church  ;  all  such  shall 
be  published  to  the  congregation,  and  he  registered  as  reg- 
ular m  mbers  in  the  Church. 

Sec.  7.  In  every  congregation,  a  distinct  and  fair  regs- 
ter  shall  be  preserved  by  the  Minister  of  every  baptism 
and  marriage  there  celebrated,  and  of  all  who  are  received 
as  members  in  full  communion.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  several  Consistories  to  make  a  statistical  report  to  the 
Classis  at  their  meeting  immediately  preceding  the  annual 


26  coxntttution. 

meetings  of  the  Particular  and  the  General  Synod,  accord- 
ing to  such  formula  as  the  General  Synod  shall  ])rctcribe, 
and  accompany  the  same  with  such  remarks  on  the  spir- 
itual state  of  the  congregation  as  they  may  deem  proper. 

Sec.  8.  Every  Consistory  shiill  keep  regular  minutes  of 
1:8  meetings  and  proceedings,  and  shall  lay  such  minutes, 
so  far  as  the  same  relate  to  ecclesiastical  proceedings,  at 
least  once  a  year,  before  the  Classis  with  which  it  is  con- 
nected, for  their  information. 

Sec.  9.  It  shall  be  incumbent  upon  members  of  the 
Church,  in  removing  from  the  bounds  of  one  chu  ch  to 
another,  to  obtain  from  the  C>nsistory  a  certificate  of  mem- 
bership and  dismission. 

Sec.  10.  Consistori-  s  possess  the  right  of  calling  Minis- 
ters for  their  own  congregations,  except  where  otherwise 
provided  for  by  charter.  Bu',  in  exercising  this  right,  they 
are  bound  to  use  their  utmost  endeavors,  either  by  consult- 
ing with  the  Great  Consistory  or  with  the  congregation  at 
large,  to  know  what  person  would  be  most  acceptable  to 
the  people. 

Sec.  11.  A  Minister  of  the  Classis  must  be  invited  to  su- 
perintend the  proceedings,  whenever  a  Consistory  is  desir- 
ous of  making  a  call.  The  instrument  is  to  be  sipvned  by 
the  members  of  the  Consistor}^  or  by  the  President  in  the 
name  of  the  Consistory ;  and  if  the  Church  be  incorpo- 
rated, it  is  proper  to  affix  the  seal  of  the  corporation. 
When  the  call  is  completed,  it  must  be  laid  by  the  Consis- 
tory before  the  Classis,  and  be  approved  by  the  same,  before 
it  can  be  presented  to  the  person  called  ;  and  if  the  call 
be  accepted,  the  name  of  such  Minister  shall  be  published 
in  the  church  three  Sabbaths  successively,  that  opportu- 
nity may  be  given  for  st^j^ing  lawful  objections,  if  any 
there  be.  When  any  circumstances  shall,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Consistory,  make  tlie  presiding  of  their  own 


CONSISTOKIES.  2T 

Minister  at  its  sessions  undesirable,  they  may,  on  the  re- 
quest of  their  pastor,  invite  a  Minister  of  their  own  Clas- 
sis  to  preside  on  the  occasion. 

Sec.  12.  For  the  purpose  of  uniformity,  the  form  of  a 
call  shall  be  a;3  follows  : 

"  To  N.  N. 

"  Ch'ace,  Mercy  and  Peace,  from  God  our  Father,  and 

Jesus  Christ  onr  Lord. 

"  Whereas,  the  Church  of  Jesus  (  hrist  at ,  is  at 

present  destitute  of  the  stated  preaching  of  the  Word,  and 
the  regular  administration  of  the  ordinances,  and  is  desir- 
ous of  obtaining  the  m<'ans  of  grace,  which  God  hath  ap- 
pointed for  the  salvation  of  sinners,  through  Jesus  Christ 
his  >;on  :  And  whereas,  the  said  Church  is  well  satisfied 
of  the  piety,  gifts,  and  ministeri  d  qualincations  of  you, 
N.  N.,  and  hath  good  hope  that  your  labois  in  the  Gospel 
will  be  attended  with  a  blessing:  Therefore,  we  {the  style 
and  title  of  the  said  Church)  have  resolved  to  call,  and  we 
hereby  solemnly,  and  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  do  call  you, 
the  said  X.  N.,  to  be  our  pastor  and  teacher,  to  preach  the 
Word  in  truth  and  faithfulness,  to  administer  the  holy 
Sacraments  agreeably  to  the  institution  of  Christ,  to  main- 
tain Christian  discipline,  to  edify  the  congregation,  and  es- 
pecially the  youth,  by  catechetical  instructions  ;  and,  as  a 
faithful  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  fulfill  the  whole  work 
of  the  Gospel  ministry,  agreeably  to  the  Word  of  God,  and 
the  excellent  Rules  and  Constitution  of  our  Reformed 
(Dutch)  Church,  and  to  which  you,  upon  accepting  the 
call,  must  with  us  remaia  subordinate. 

"  In  fulfilling  the  ordinary  duties  of  your  ministry,  it  is 
expressly  stipulated,  that,  besides  preaching  upon  such 
texts  of  Scripture  as  you  may  judge  proper  to  select  for 
our  instruc  ion,  you  also  explain  a  j  ortion  of  the  Heidel- 


28  coNSTiTrrioN. 

berg  Catechism  on  the  Lord's  Davf,  aareeably  to  the  es- 
tablished order  of  the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Church  ;  and  that 
you  farther  conform  in  rendering  all  that  public  service 
which  is  usual,  and  has  been  in  constant  practice  in  our 
congregation.  The  particular  service  which  will  be  re- 
quired of  you  is  {here  insert  a  detail  of  such  particulars,  if 
any  there  he,  ichich  the  situation  of  the  congregation  may 
render  necessary  ;  especially  in  case  of  combinations,  uJien 
the  seri'ice  required  in-  the  respective  congregations  must  he 
ascertained ;  or  when  the  Dutch  and  English  languages 
are  both  requisite,  the  proportion  of  each  may  he  mentioned 
or  left  discretionary,  as  may  he  judged  proper). 

"  To  encourage  you  in  the  di  charge  of  the  duties  of 
your  important  office,  we  promise  you,  in  the  name  of  this 
Church,  all  proper  attention,  love,  and  obedience  in  the 
Lord  ;  and  to  free  you  from  worldly  car- s  and  avocations, 
while  you  are  dispensing  spiritual  blessiniis  to  us,  we  (the 
Elders  and  Deacons,  etc.,  the  style  and  title  of  the  Church) 
do  promise  and  oblige  •■urselvefs  to  pay  to  you  the  sum  of 

,  in payments,  yearly,  and  every  year  as  long  as 

you  continue  the  Minister  of  this  Church,  togoilier  with 
{siich  particulars  as  may  refer  to  a  parsonage  or  other 
emoluments).  For  the  performance  of  all  which,  we  here- 
by bind  ourselves,  and  our  successors,  firmly,  by  these 
presents.  The  Lord  incline  your  heart  to  a  cheerful  ac- 
ceptance of  this  call,  and  send  you  to  us  in  the  fullness  of 
the  blessing  of  the  Gospel  of  peace. 

"  Done  in  Consistory,  and  subscribed  with  our  names, 

this day  of ,  in  the  year  of ." 

Attested  hy  N.  N.,  M'xlerator  of  the  call. 

Sec.  13.  Since  it  is  deemed  of  the  hii^hest  im])ortancc 
that  there  shou'd  be  regular  ii.struction  on  the  great  arti- 
cles of  the  Chrisnan  faith,  in  order  to  preserve  the  truth. 


coNSiSTOEii:.-^.  29 

and  to  promote  the  prosperity  of  the  Church,  every  Mhiis- 
ter  shall,  in  the  ordinary  morning  or  afternoon  service  on 
the  Lord's  Day,  explain  the  system  of  the  Christian  doc- 
trine comprehended  in  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  adopted 
by  the  Reformed  Churches,  so  that,  if  practicable,  the  ex- 
planation may  be  annually  completed,  but  shall  never  be 
extended  beyond  the  term  of  four  years.  The  several 
Classes  shall,  at  their  stated  meetings,  preceding  the 
annual  meeting  of  General  Synod,  make  strict  inquiry 
whether  the  preceding  part  of  this  section  has  been  fully 
conii)lied  with  by  every  Minister,  and  if  any  Minister  shall 
be  found  deficient,  without  sufficient  reason,  the  Classis 
shall  inflict  such  censure  as  they  in  their  wisdom  may 
judge  the  omission  to  merit  ;  and  the  several  Classes  shall 
make  a  full  and  faithful  report  of  the  result  of  their  in- 
quiries and  doings  on  this  behalf  to  the  Particular  Synod. 

Sec.  14.  When  any  Minister  shall  be  duly  convicted  of 
any  offence  which  affects  the  purity  of  his  clerical  charac- 
ter, he  shall,  in  consequence  of  such  conviction,  be  sus- 
pended from  his  office  ;  and  if  the  conviction  and  suspen- 
sion shall  be  sustained  on  a  final  appeal,  his  pastoral  con- 
nection with  the  congregation  in  which  he  was  settled 
shall  he,  ipso  facto,  dissolved. 

Sec.  15.  Consistories  which  have  hitherto  combined 
with  one  or  more  neighboring  Consistories,  in  making 
calls,  and  having  a  Minister  to  serve  in  common,  may  not 
at  pleasure  break  such  combination  ;  but  whenever  their 
situation  and  circumstances  render  them  capable  of  sev- 
erally calling  a  Minister,  a  representation  thereof  must  be 
made  to  the  Classic,  and  leave  be  first  requested  and  ob- 
tained, before  their  farmer  connections  can  be  dissolved. 

Sec.  16.  As  in  calling  a  Minister,  Consistories  are  bound 
to  consult  with  the  Great  Consistory,  or  with  the  congre- 
gation at  large,  so  wlien  other  matters  of  peculiar  import- 


30  CONSTITUTION. 

ance  occur,  relating  to  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  whole 
cono-regation,  they  are  strongly  recommended  to  seek 
such  advice.  All  who  have  ever  served  as  Elders  or  Dea- 
cons, constitute,  when  assembled,  what  is  called  the  Great 
Consistory  ;  but  being  out  of  office,  and  not  actually  mem- 
bers of  the  Board  of  Corporation,  they  have  only  an  ad- 
visory vuice. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Of  the  Classis. 

Sec.  1.  A  Classis  consists  of  all  the  Ministers,  and  an 
Elder  delegated  by  each  Consistory  within  the  bounds 
prescribed  by  Particular  Synod.  Collegiate  Churches 
shall  be  entitled  to  an  Elder  for  each  ordinary  worshiping 
assembly.  To  constitute  a  Classis,  at  least  three  Ministers 
and  three  Elders  are  required. 

Sec.  2.  Classis  shall  have  the  power  of  approving  or 
disapproving  calls;  constituting  and  dissolving  the  pas- 
toral relation  ;  ordaining,  installing,  suspending,  depos 
ing,  and  dismissing  ministers.  They  shall  have  the 
power  of  forming  and  disbanding  congregations,  of  ap- 
proving and  dissolving  combinations  of  two  or  more  con- 
gregations ;  and  of  exercising  a  general  superintendence 
over  the  spiritual  interests  and  concerns  of  the  several 
churches,  and  an  appellate  supervising  power  over  the 
acts,  proceedings,  and  decisions  of  the  Consistories  relat- 
ing to  Christian  discipline. 

Sec.  3.  The  peculiar  prerogative  of  Classes,  that  of  ex- 
amining students  of  Theology  for  their  becoming  candi- 
dates for  the  ministry,  and  of  candidates  for  their  becom- 
ing Ministers,  is  very  important,  and  must  always  be 
attended  to  with  great  prudence,  zeal,  and  fidelity.  Every 
student  of  Theology,  when  he  shall  have  become  prepared 
for   examination  for  licensure,  shall  present  himself  for 


CLASSES.  31 

such  examination  to  the  Classis  within  wiiose  bounds  he 
resided  when  he  entered  upon  his  preparatory  studies, 
and  a  candidate  who  las  leceived  a  call,  must  be  exam- 
ined by  the  Classis  under  whose  jurisdiction  the  Church 
that  has  made  the  call  is  placed. 

Sec.  4.  Every  Classis  shall  keep  a  book,  in  which  the 
forms  of  subscrii)fion.s  for  candidates  and  Ministers  of  the 
Gospel  are  fairly  written,  which  tho^^e  who  are  examined 
and  approved  shall  respectively  subscribe  in  the  presence 
of  tlie  Classis.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  every  Classis, 
annually,  to  report  to  the  Synod  all  persons  who  have 
been  exiunined  and  licensed,  as  well  as  those  who  have 
been  ordained  ;  and  also,  all  removals  of  Ministers  from 
one  place  to  another,  or  by  death,  which  may  have  hap- 
pened within  the  jurisdiction  of  such  Classis,  since  the 
last  session  of  Synod. 

Si<x\  5.  Whenever  the  examination  of  a  candidate  for  the 
ministry,  the  ajiprobation  of  a  call,  or  any  other  special 
business,  shall  render  an  extraordinary  meeting  of  the 
Classis  necessary,  it  shall  be  the  duty  ot  the  President  of 
the  Classis,  upon  appl  cation  beinof  made  to  him  for  that 
purpose,  to  call,  by  circular  letters,  the  members  together. 
And,  whenever  two  Ministers  and  two  Eldei's  belonging 
to  the  Classis  shall,  upon  any  occasion,  request  in  writing, 
under  their  hands,  an  extraor.iinary  meeting,  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Classis  may  r.ot  refuse  calling  the  same  ;  pro- 
vided that  the  expenses  attending  all  extraordinary  meet- 
ings of  the  Classis  shall  be  paid  by  the  person  or  congre- 
gation at  whose  request,  or  for  whose  benefit,  s-uch  session 
is  held. 

Sec.  6.  The  meetings  of  the  Classes  shall  be  semi-annual, 
at  such  times  as  they  may  respoctiv(lj  determine;  and  at 
v\i^ry  ordinary  session  there  shall  le  a  seinion,  or  other 
devotional  services,  or  both. 


32  CONSTITUTION-. 

Sec.  7.  Tlie  Classes  shall,  at  their  meeting-  next  preced- 
ing that  of  the  Particular  Synod,  appoint  delegates  to 
attend  the  said  Synod,  and  nominate  delegates  to  the 
General  Synod  ;  and,  at  the  same  meeting,  shall  put  to 
the  Ministers  and  Elders,  respectively,  the  following  in- 
quiries, and  enter  in  detail  the  several  answers  given  by 
each  Minister  and  Elder,  on  the  minutes,  for  the  informa- 
tion of  the  higher  judicatories  : 

1st.  Are  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  preached  in  your 
congregation  in  their  purity,  agreeably  to  the  AVord  of 
God,  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  the  Catechisms  of  our 
Church  ? 

3d.  Is  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  regularly  explained 
agreeably  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Reformed  (Dutch) 
Church  ? 

3d.  Are  the  catechising  of  the  children  and  the  instruc- 
tion of  the  youth  faithfully  attended  to? 

4th.  Is  family  visitation  faithfully  performed  ? 

5th.  Is  the  oth  Sec,  Gth  Art.,  in  the  Constitution  of  our 
Church,  relating  to  the  conduct  of  church  members,  care- 
fully obeyed,  previous  to  each  communion? 

8th.  Is  the  temporal  contract  between  Ministers  and 
people  fulfilled  in  your  congregation  ? 

7th.  Is  a  contribution  made  annually  by  your  congrega- 
tion to  each  of  the  Benevolent  Boards  and  Funds  of  the 
Church  ? 

ARTICLE   VIII. 

Of  the  Particular  Synod. 
Sec.  1.  Every  Particular  Synod  shall  comprehend  a 
certain  number  of  Classes  to  be  designated  by  the  General 
Synod,  and  shall  consist  of  four  Ministers  and  four  Elders 
from  every  Classis  within  its  bounds;  and  nine  Ministers 
and  nine  Ehh'r<,  when  regularly  convened,  shall  constitute 


TARTICULAIv'    :^YX()I>.  88 

a  qnoium  for  tlie  transaction  of  basin(;ss  ;  excepting  those 
Synods  whicli  consist  of  not  more  than  five  Classes,  in 
which  case  six  Ministers  and  six  I'^lders  may  form  a 
quorum. 

Sec.  2.  To  the  Particular  Synod  belongs  the  power  to 
form  new  Classes,  to  transfer  a  congregation  from  one 
Classis  to  another,  to  exercise  a  general  superintendence 
over  the  spiritual  interests  and  concerns  of  the  several 
Classes  within  its  bounds,  and  an  appellate  supervising 
power  over  their  acts,  proceedings,  and  decisions  relating 
to  Cliiistian  discipline. 

Skc.  3.  P'very  Synod  shall  be  at  liberty  to  solicit  and 
hold  correspondence  with  its  neighboring  Synod  or 
Synods,  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  judged  most  conducive 
to  general  edification. 

Sec.  4.  A  copy  of  the  minutes  of  every  sesdon  of  the 
several  Classes  held  since  the  last  session  of  Synod,  shall, 
at  the  opening  of  the  Synod,  be  produced  and  laid  on  the 
table  for  the  inspection  of  the  members.  The  Particular 
Synod,  from  the  several  i-eports  of  the  Classes,  on  the 
state  of  religion,  shall  prepare  a  Synodical  Report,  to  be 
presented  to  the  General  Synod,  accompanied  with  the 
statistical  tables  of  said  Classes 

Sec.  0.  The  Particular  Synod  shall  meet  annually,  at 
such  time  and  place  as  they  may  determine;  and  special 
meetings  may  be  held  for  the  transaction  of  any  extraor- 
dinary business,  upon  the  written  request  of  four  Ministers 
and  four  Elders  to  the  President  of  the  Synod  ;  and,  in 
such  case,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  such  President  to  give 
notice  to  the  members  of  Synod  of  such  meeting  three 
weeks  previous  thereto,  stating  the  particular  object  for 
which  the  Svnod  is  to  be  convened. 


34  CONSTITUTTON-. 

ARTICLE   IX. 
Of  the  General  Synod. 

Sec.  1.  The  General  Syuod  shall  consist  of  three  Minis- 
ters and  three  Elders  from  each  of  the  Classes,  composed 
of  fifteen  or  less  than  fifteen  churches;  and  an  additional 
representation  of  one  Minister  and  one  Elder  shall  be 
allowed  for  each  additional  five  churches.  These  persons 
shall  be  nominated  by  the  Classes  to  the  Particular  Synod 
to  which  they  belong,  who  shall  have  power  to  appoint 
them  delegates  to  the  General  Synod  ;  but,  for  good  cause, 
it  may  appoint  other  persons  than  those  so  nominated  ;  or, 
in  case  no  nomination  is  made,  may  appoint  the  delegates 
for  the  Classis  or  Classes  who  shall  have  omitted  to 
nominate.  The  body  thus  constituted  shall  be  called 
"The  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Amer- 
ica." 

Sec.  2.  The  removal  of  any  delegate,  during  the  period 
for  which  he  was  appointed,  fiom  the  Classis  which  he 
was  commissioned  to  represent,  shall  vacate  his  seat  in 
the  General  Synod. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Synod  shall  meet  annually,  at  such 
time  and  place  as  they  may  determine  ;  and  twelve  Min- 
isters and  twelve  Elders,  when  regularly  convened,  shall 
be  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Synod  shall  have  original  cog- 
nizance of  all  matters  relating  to  the  Theological  Schools, 
the  appointment  of  Professors,  and  their  course  of  instruc- 
tion ;  the  appointment  of  Superintendents  of  said  schools, 
and  the  regulations  thereof;  and  shall  possess  the  power 
of  regulating  and  maintaining  a  friendly  correspondence 
with  the  highest  judicatories  or  nssemblics  of  other  re- 
ligious denominations,  for  the  purpose  of  promoting 
union   and   concert   in   general   measures   whieii    niav   be 


CUSTOMS    AND    USAGES.  35 

calculated  to  maintain  sound  doctrine,  prevent  conflicting 
regulations  relative  to  persons  under  churcli  censure,  by 
the  judicatories  of  either  denominations,  and  to  produce 
concert  and  harmony  in  tlieir  respective  proceedings  to 
promote  the  cause  of  religion  and  piety. 

To  the  General  Synod  belongs  the  power  to  constitute 
Particular  Synods,  and  to  make  any  changes  in  the  same  ; 
to  exercise  a  general  superintendence  over  the  spiritual 
interests  and  concerns  of  the  whole  Church,  and  an  ap- 
pellate supervising  power  over  the  acts,  proceedings,  and 
decisions  of  the  lower  assemblies,  relating  to  Christian 
discipline. 

Sec.  5.  When,  in  the  circumstances  of  missionary  fields, 
it  shall  be  impracticable  for  a  Classis  to  comply  with  all 
the  requirements  of  the  Constitution,  the  General  Synod 
shall  have  full  power  to  grant  such  dispensation  as  the 
wants  of  the  ease  may  demand. 

Sec.  6.  If  circumstances  should  require  a  meeting  of 
the  General  Synod  previous  to  the  next  ordinary  meeting, 
the  President  shall,  on  a  joint  application  of  six  Ministers 
and  six  Elders  requesting  the  same,  call  an  extraordinary 
meeting  at  the  place  where  the  next  ordinary  meeting  is 
appointed  to  be  held,  notice  of  which  meeting  shall  be 
given  to  members  of  Synod  at  least  three  weeks  previous 
to  the  time  of  such  meeting,  stating  the  particular  busi- 
ness for  which  it  is  called,  not,  however,  excluding  the 
transaction  of  such  other  business  as  the  Synod  may  deem 
proper. 

ARTICLE   X. 
Of  Customs  and  Usages. 

Sec.  1.  The  Sacrament  of  Baptism  shall,  if  possible,  be 
administered  in  the  church,  or  some  other  place  of  public 
worship,  at  the  time  of  public  worship ;  and  the  form  for 


36  CONSTITUTION. 

Baptism  shall  in  every  case  be  retained.  But  it  is  recom- 
mended that  no  private  baptism  shall  be  administered 
without  the  presence  of  at  least  one  Elder,  who  shall  ac- 
company the  Minister  for  that  purpose. 

Sec.  2.  Every  church  shall  observe  such  a  mode  in  the 
administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  as  shall  be  judged 
most  conducive  to  edification ;  provided  that  the  Form  for 
the  administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  shall  be  read,  and 
a  prayer  suited  to  the  occasion  shall  be  offered,  before  the 
members  participate  in  the  ordinance. 

Sec.  3.  The  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  shall  be 
administered  at  least  twice  a  year,  and  it  is  recommended 
that  the  same  be  administered  once  every  two  or  three 
months. 

Sec.  4.  For  the  purpose  of  uniformity  in  the  order  of 
worship,  the  following'  is  to  be  observed  by  all  the 
Churches : 

1st.  Invocation. 

2d.    Salutation.- 

3d.    Reading  the  Ten  Commandments,  or  some  other 
portions  of  Scripture,  or  both. 

4th.  Singing. 

5tli.  Prayer. 

6th.  Singing. 

7th.  Sermon. 

8th.  Prayer. 

9th.  Collection  of  Alms. 
10th.  Singing. 

11th.  Benediction.  The  order  of  the  afternoon  and 
evening  services  shall  be  the  same  as  the  morning,  except- 
ing the  reading  of  the  Ten  Commandments.  The  last  ser 
vice  on  the  Lord's  Day  shall  conclude  with  the  Christian 
Doxology. 

Sec.  n.   No  Psalms  or  Hymns  nun-  be  i)ublicly  sung  in 


DISCIPLINE.— OFFENCES.  37 

the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Churches,  but  such  as  are  approved 
and  recommended  by  the  General  Synod. 

ARTICLE   XI. 
Of  Discipline  in  Qeneral. 

Sec.  1.  Discipline  is  the  exercise  of  the  authority  which 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  given  to  His  Church.  Its  ob- 
jects are  the  vindication  of  the  honor  of  Christ,  the  promo- 
tion of  the  purity  and  general  edification  of  the  Church, 
and  the  benefit  of  the  offender. 

Sec.  2.  Nothing  shall  be  admitted  as  matter  of  accusa- 
tion, or  considered  an  offence,  which  cannot  be  shown  to 
be  such  from  Scripture,  or  the  laws  and  regulations  of  the 
Church. 

Sec.  3.  All  baptized  persons  are  members  of  the  Church, 
are  under  its  care,  and  subject  to  its  government  and 
discipline. 

ARTICLE  XII. 
Of  Offences. 

Sec.  1.  Private  offences  are  those  that  are  known  to  an 
individual  only,  or  at  most  to  a  very  few. 

Sec.  2.  Such  offences  are  not  immedia'ely  to  be  pre- 
sented before  a  Church  Judicatory,  but  the  offender  shall 
be  dealt  with  according  to  the  mode  pointed  out  by  our 
Lord  in  Matt,  xviii.  The  same  course  shall  be  adopted  in 
cases  of  personal  or  private  injuries  ;  but  if,  on  due  for- 
bearance, these  tender  and  Christian  proceedings  are  un- 
availing, the  whole  matter  shall  be  represen':ed  to  the  Ju- 
dicatory, to  which  the  offender  is  amenable. 

Sec.  3.  Informers  who  have  not  taken  these  previous 
steps  shall  be  considered  as  guilty  of  an  offence  against 
the  peace  and  ord  r  of  the  Church,  and  be  censured  accord- 
ingly. 


38  CONSTITUTION. 

Skc.  4.  Public  offciife-*  aire  tliosso  tliat  require  the  cog- 
nizance of  a  Church  Jud  catory  :  being  so  notorious  and 
scandalous  tha:  no  pr  vate  measures  would  obviate  th.-ir 
injurious  eflfects. 

Sec.  5.  Whenany  person  is  charged  with  an  oltence,  not 
by  an  individual,  but  by  general  rumor,  the  previo.  s  steps 
prescribed  by  our  Lord  in  case  of  private  offences  are  not 
necessary,  but  the  proper  judicatory  is  bound  to  take  im- 
mediate cognizance  of  the  matter. 

Sec.  6.  To  constitute  a  general  rumor,  or  J'diia  c'.ainosii, 
it  is  necessary — 

1st,  That  it  specify  some  particular  sin  or  sins. 

2d.  That  it  should  have  obtained  general  circulation. 

3d.  That  it,  be  not  transient. 

4th.  That  it  shall  be  accompanied  with  strong  ])resump- 
tion  of  its  truth . 

Sec.  7.  The  following  are  to  be  consideied  as  the  princi- 
pal offences  that  deserve  the  [>unishment  of  suspension  or 
removal  from  oflBce,  viz  :  Heresy,  Public  Schisms,  open  B'as- 
phemy,  Simony,  faithless  Desertion  of  OflBce  or  intruding 
upon  that  of  another.  Slander,  Lying,  Pejjury,  Adultery, 
Fornication,  Theft,  Forgery,  Acts  of  Violence,  Drunken- 
ness, scandalous  Traffic  ;  in  short,  all  such  sins  and  gross 
offences  as  render  the  perpetrators  infamous  before  the 
world,  and  which,  in  a  private  member  of  the  Church, 
would  be  considered  as  deserving  excommunication. 

Sec.  8.  In  admitting  accusations  against  a  Minister  or 
Elder,  the  rule  prescribed  in  1  Tim.  v.  19,  shall  always  be 
observed,  and  accusers  must  come  forward  openly  to  sup- 
port the  charge. 

Sec.  9.  If  Ministers  of  the  Word  hive  committed  any 
public,  gross  sin,  which  would  render  their  appearance  in 
the  pulpit  under  such  circutnsta:  ces.  highly  offensive,  it 
shall   be  the  duty  of  the  Consistory,  in  order  to  prevent 


PROCESS    AND   TRIAL.  39 

scandal,  to  close  the  pulpit  against  such  criminal,  and  re- 
fer him  to  be  tried  by  the  Classis  as  soon  as  possible.  The 
proceedings  of  the  Consistory  in  such  cases  are  at  their 
peril,  and  are  not  to  be  considered  as  a  trial,  but  only  a 
prudent  interference,  and  binding  over  the  person  accused 
to  the  j  udgment  of  his  peers. 

Sec.  10.  In  case  of  like  offences  by  an  Elder  or  Deacon, 
the  Consistory  shall  immediately  proceed  to  his  trial,  and, 
upon  conviction,  he  shall  be  forthwith  suspended  from  his 
office,  and  excluded  from  the  privileges  of  the  Church. 

Sec.  11.  If  any  member  of  the  Church  shall  be  duly 
convicted  of  an  infamous  crime  by  any  civil  court,  he 
shall,  ipso  facto,  be  suspended  from  any  ecclesiastical  office 
with  which  he  may  be  invested,  and  excluded  from  the 
privileges  of  the  church,  until  he  shall  have  established 
his  innocence,  or  manifested  his  repentance  to  the  ecclesi- 
astical judicatory  to  which  he  is  amenable. 

.ARTICLE   XIII. 

Of  Process  and  Trial. 

Sec.  1.  Offences  may  be  brought  before  a  Judicatory  by 
individual  accusation  or  common  fame.  In  the  former 
case,  the  process  must  be  in  the  name  of  the  accuser  or 
accusers.  In  the  latter,  no  person  need  be  named  as  the 
accuser. 

Sec.  2.  In  exhibiting  charges,  the  time,  place,  and  cir- 
cumstances shall  be  accurately  stated  in  writing,  that  the 
accused  may  be  enabled  the  better  to  defend  himself. 

Sec.  o.  Great  caution  is  to  be  exercised  in  receiving  ac- 
cusations where  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  they 
are  preferred  through  passion  or  improper  and  unchristian 
motive;  or  wliere  the  accuser  is  under  censure,  or  not  of 
good  character,  or  has  the  prospect  of  temporal  advantage. 


40  CONSTITUTIOX. 

Sec.  4,  All  citations  shall  be  issued  and  sitrned  by  the 
President  or  Clerk,  who  shall  alsoturnish  citations  tor  such 
witnesses  as  may  be  requii-ed  on  either  side. 

Sec.  5.  A  copy  of  the  accusation  shall  be  furnished  to 
the  accused  at  the  time  when  the  citation  is  served ;  which 
citation  shall  designate  the  time  when,  and  place  where, 
the  accused  shall  put  in  his  answer.  Not  less  than  ten 
days  shall  be  allowed  to  intervene  between  the  time  when 
the  citation  is  served  and  the  answer  received  ;  and  no 
shorter  period  shall  be  allowed  between  receiving'  the  an- 
swer of  the  accused  and  the  trial  of  the  case,  unless  by 
consent  of  all  the  parties  interested. 

Sec.  6.  When  the  accused  refuses  to  obey  the  citation, 
he  shall  be  cited  a  second  time,  which  second  citation 
shall  always  bo  accompanied  by  a  notice,  that,  if  he  still  re- 
fuses to  appear  at  the  time  and  place  appointed,  he  shall 
not  only  be  liable  to  censure  for  contumacy,  but  that  the 
Judicatory  will  proceed  to  the  trial  and  decision  of  his 
case  as  if  he  were  present. 

Sec.  7.  In  cases  where  it  is  demauje;!  by  either  party, 
a  commission  of  the  Judicatory  may  be  appointed  by  it  to 
take  testimony  at  a  distance  ;  of  which  commission,  and 
of  the  time  and  place  of  their  meeting,  due  notice  shall  be 
given  to  all  the  parties. 

Sec.  8.  To  establish  an  accusation  against  any  member 
of  the  Church,  the  testimony  of  more  than  one  witness  is 
required.  The  witnesses,  after  being  sworn  or  duly  af- 
firmed, shall  be  examined  in  the  presence  of  the  accused, 
and  he  shall  be  permitted  to  cross-examine  them.  Yet,  if 
two  or  more  witnesses  bear  testimony  each  to  different 
acts  of  the  same  general  nature,  this,  if  not  disproved, 
shall  be  considered  sufficient  to  establish  the  accusation 
The  evidence  shall  be  faithfully  minuted  and  subscribed 
bv  the  witness,  and  in  this  final  form,  with  the  sentence  or 


PKOCESS    A^D    TRIAL.  41 

decision,  be  entered  on  the  records  ;  and  tlie  purties  shall 
be  allowed  copies  of  the  same,  at  their  own  expense,  il  do- 
sired. 

Sec.  9.  No  accusation  shall  be  admitted  unless  broiio-ht 
forward  by  the  accuser  within  the  space  of  two  years  af- 
ter the  crime  shall  be  alleged  to  have  been  committed  ; 
excepting  when  it  shall  appear  that  unavoidable  impedi- 
ments prevented  the  bringing  an  accusation  sooner,  and  at 
the  trial  the  accuser  shall  not  sit  in  judgment  upon  the 
case. 

Sec.  10.  Xo  professional  counsel  shall  be  permitted  to 
appear  and  plead  in  cases  of  process  in  any  of  the  eccle- 
siastical courts  ;  but,  in  the  trial  of  any  case  before  a  Con- 
sistory, a  member  of  the  Classis  may  be  employed  to  pre- 
pare and  conduct  the  case  on  either  side.  And,  in  the 
higher  courts,  if  any  accused  person  feel  unable  to  repre- 
sent and  plead  his  own  case  to  advantage,  he  may  request, 
or  the  President  may  appoint,  any  Minister  or  Elder  be- 
longing to  the  j  udicatory  before  which  he  appears  to  pre- 
pare and  conduct  his  case  as  he  may  judge  proper.  But 
the  Minister  or  Elder  so  engaged  shall  not  be  allowed, 
after  pleading  the  case  of  the  accused,  to  sit  in  judgment 
as  a  member  of  the  judicatory. 

Sec.  11.  Such  as  obstinately  reject  the  admonitions  of 
the  Consistory,  or  have  been  found  guilty  of  the  commis- 
sion of  an  otherwise  gross  offence,  shall  be  suspended  from 
the  Lord's  Supper,  which  act  of  suspensi:;n  may  be  pub- 
lished at  the  discretion  of  the  Consistory  ;  and,  being  sus- 
pended and  repeatedly  admonished  without  discovering 
marks  of  repentance,  the  Church  shall  then  proceed  to  the 
last  remedy,  namely,  Excommunication ;  agreeably  to  the 
adopted  form,  and  conformably  to  the  Word  of  God.  But 
no  person  shall  be  excommunicated  without  the  previous 
approval  of  the  Classis. 


42  coNsTrrrrioN. 

Sec.  12.  Before  the  Church  proceeds  to  excommunica- 
tion, the  obstinacy  of  the  offender  shall  be  publicly  noti- 
fied to  the  congregation,  declaring  his  offences,  together 
with  the  particular  care  and  attention  bestowed  on  him,  by 
admonition,  suspension  from  the  Lord's  table,  and  by  re- 
peated remonstrances.  This  procedure  shall  be  comprised 
in  three  several  steps.  In  the  first  instance,  the  name  of 
the  offender  shall  not  be  mentioned,  that  he  may  in  some 
measure  be  spared.  In  the  second,  with  the  advice  of 
Classis,  his  name  shall  be  expressed.  In  the  third,  the 
congregation  shall  be  informed,  that,  unless  he  repenteth, 
he  will  be  excluded  from  the  communion  of  the  Church ; 
so  that,  if  he  remain  obstinate,  his  excommunication  may 
take  I  lace  with  their  tacit  approbation.  The  interval  be- 
tween these  notifications  shall  be  at  the  discretion  of  the 
Consistory. 

Sec.  13.  When  an  excommunicated  person  becomes 
penitent,  and  is  desirous  of  being  again  reconciled  to  the 
Church,  such  desire  shall  be  publicly  declared  to  the  con- 
gregation, either  before  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  or  at  some  other  seasonable  opportunity;  that,  if  no 
objections  are  offered,  he  may,  on  declaring  his  repentance, 
be  publicly  re-admitted  to  a  participation  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  agreeably  to  the  form  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

ARTICLE  XIV. 
Of  Appeals  and  Complaints. 
Sec.  1.  Any  member  of  the  Church,  conceiving  himself 
to  be  personally  aggrieved  or  injured  by  the  decision  of 
a  Judicatory,  may  appeal  therefrom  to  the  next  higher 
Judicatory.  Also,  a  Consistory  or  Classis  considering  it- 
self aggrieved  by  the  judgment  or  censure  of  a  higher 
Judicatory,  enjoys  the  ^ame  right  of  appeal. 

Sec.  2.  Any  one  intending  to  appeal  from  an  act  or  de- 


APPEALS    AND    COMPLAINTS.  4:3 

oision  of  a  Judicatory,  must  at  the  time  of  the  actiori,  ox 
within  ten  days  thereafter,  give  notice  of  such  intentioa 
to  the  President  of  the  body  from  whose  action  he  intends 
to  appeal.  Within  ten  days  after  such  notice  he  shall 
send  to  said  President  in  writing  the  appeal,  with  the 
reasons  thereof.     On  default  of  this,  the  appeal  falls. 

Sec.  3.  An  appeal  made  by  a  Judicatory  must  be  made 
by  it  as  such  regularly  convened,  and  the  appeal,  with  the 
reasons  thereof,  must  be  sent  in  writing  to  the  President 
of  the  body  appealed  from,  within  twenty  days  of  the 
action  from  which  the  appeal  is  taken.  On  default  of  this, 
the  appeal  falls. 

Sec.  4.  If  an  appellant  give  notice  an  1  satisfactory  rea- 
sons to  the  President  of  the  Judicatory  to  which  the  ap« 
peal  is  made,  that  he  cannot  attend  at  the  next  stated 
meeting  of  that  body,  his  appeal  shall  lie  over  to  the  next 
following  stated  meeting.  But  if  he  fail  to  appear,  and 
prosecute  his  appeal  without  such  notice  and  reasons,  it  is 
to  be  considered  as  relinquished. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  Judicatory  that 
has  tried  a  case  originally  or  by  appeal,  in  recording  its 
decision,  to  set  forth  at  length  the  reasons  thereof,  that 
the  record  may  i  xliibit,  as  far  as  practicable,  everything" 
that  had  an  influence  on  its  judgment. 

Sec.  6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  any  Judicatory  from 
whose  act  or  decision  an  appeal  is  made,  to  transmit  a 
certifif.d  copy  of  the  action  appealed  from,  signed  by  the 
President,  and  countersigned  by  the  Clerk,  together  with 
the  appeal  and  reasons  accompanying  the  same,  to  the 
Judicatory  appealed  to,  at  the  next  regular  meeting  there- 
of, and  the  papers  thus  transmitted  shall  be  considered 
the  documents  in  the  c;ise. 

Sf.c  7.  An  infe  ior  Judicatory  shall  be  permitted  to 
send  a  -  omniissioner  to  the  one  api)ealed  to,  for  the  pur- 


44  OONSTITI'TIOX. 

*  pose  of  making  explanations  relative  to  the  case  ;  it  being 
expressly  understood,  that  the  original  parties  in  the  case 
shall  have  the  same  right  of  being  heard  in  every  stage 
of  the  trial,  from  one  court  to  another. 

Sec.  8.  For  all  cases  that  have  originated  in  the  Con- 
sistory, the  Particular  Synod  shall  be  the  Final  Court  of 
Appeal,  except  when  as  many  members  of  the  Particular 
Synod,  as  there  are  Classes  connected  w^ith  the  Synod 
shall,  within  ten  days  of  its  adjournment,  declare  in  writ- 
ing to  the  President  that  the  case  adjudicated  is  a  proper 
one  for  appeal  to  the  General  Synod.  In  such  case  an  ap- 
peal, if  constitutionally  made,  shall  be  entertained  by  the 
General  Synod. 

Sec.  9.  In  order  to  prevent  vexation  and  delay  in  the 
judicial  proceedings  of  any  ecclesiastical  assembly  by 
means  of  successive  appeals  in  the  progress  of  any  trial  or 
investigation,  the  part}^  who  may  consider  himself  ag- 
grieved by  any  decision,  upon  any  incidental  question 
which  may  arise  before  a  final  sentence  is  pronounced, 
may  state  his  objections  to  such  decision,  and  require  to 
have  the  same  noted  in  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings,  to 
the  end  that  he  may  avail  himself  thereof  on  an  appeal 
from  the  final  sentence,  without  arresting  the  progress  of 
such  investigation  or  trial.  And  in  such  cases  every  de- 
cision objected  to,  as  well  as  the  objections,  shall  be 
distinctly  stated  in  the  minutes  of  such  assembly,  and 
sent  up  with  the  appeal  to  the  appellate  Judicatory  for 
review. 

Sec.  10.  Individuals  who  have  voted  in  a  lower  court 
upon  a  case  which  is  carried  up  by  appeal,  or  who  have 
prepared  and  conducted  such  case,  shall  not  be  at  liberty 
to  vote  upon  the  trial  of  the  appeal  in  the  higher  courts. 

Sec.  11.  If  a  niinority  or  any  member  of  a  minority  of 
any  inferior  Church  Judicati)ry   shall  consider  any  sub- 


RULES    AND    AMENDMENTS.  46 

ordinate  decision  or  any  part  of  the  formal  proceedings  lo 
have  been  so  erroneous,  as  injuriously  to  affect  the  inter- 
ests of  truth  or  of  vital  godliness,  they  may  present  the 
same  by  way  of  ( omplaint  to  the  next  higher  Judicatory 
for  its  examination  and  decision. 

Sec.  12.  This  complaint,  if  entertained,  brings  the 
whole  record  of  the  case  under  the  review  of  the  superior 
Judicatory. 

Sec.  13.  No  such  complaint  shall  be  entertained  except 
after  notice  given  to  the  President  of  the  body  complained 
of,  and  the  sending  of  the  complaint,  and  reasons  for  it,  as 
prescribed  in  cases  of  appeal. 

ARTICLE  XV. 

Of  Mules  and  Amendments. 
Sec.  1.  The  General  Synod  shall  have  power  to  make 
11  such  rules  and  regulations  as  may  be  necessary  for 
arrying  the  foregoing  articles  into    execution,   except 
'  rhere  provision  is  thereby  made  for  that  purpose. 

Sec.  2.  No  alteration  shall  ever  be  made  to  the  fore- 
going articles,  but  by  previous  recommendation  from  the 
♦ieneral  Synod  to  the  respective  Classes,  and  the  consent 
of  a  majority  of  the  same  to  such  proposed  alteration, 
together  with  the  final  declarative  resolution  of  the 
Greneral  Synod  for  the  time  being ;  and  the  articles  as 
thus  determined  and  declared  shall  be  and  are  the  authori- 
tative and  only  Constitution  of  the  Reformed  Church  in 
America. 


APPEl^DIX 


I.  — FORMULARIES. 

No.   1. 
Form  of  a  Professoi^ial  Appointment. 
To  the  Rev.  , 

The  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America, 
reposing  confidence  in  your  piety,  learning  and  talents, 
have  elected  you  a  Professor  in  their  Theological  College 
at .  The  branches  in  which  you  are  to  in- 
struct the  youth  committed  to  your   charge  are,    


,  with  such  modifications  as  the  Synod  may  here- 
after direct. 

To  free  you  from  wordly  cares  and  avocations,  while 
discharging  the   duties   of  your  office,  we  promise  and 

oblige  ourselves  to  pay  to  you  the  sum  of ,  in 

payments,  yearly  and  every  year,  as  long  as  you 

continue  Professor  in  oar  Seminary  as  aforesaid.  For  the 
assumption  of  the  powers,  and  the  execution  of  the  duties 
of  your  office  in  the  Theological  Department  of  the  Col- 
lege, this  is  your  commission,  and  may  the  Head  of  the 
Church  render  your  labors  useful  and  pleasant. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Synod, 

,  President. 

Done  in  Oeneral  ^Si/nod, 

this  -• day  of ,  18—. 

(40) 


FORMULAS.  47 

No.  2. 
Form  of  License. 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern,  In  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  we  send 
greeting : 

Be  it  known,  that ,  having  presented  to  the 

Classis  of testimonials  of  his  literary  and  theo- 
logical acquirements  from  the  Professors  of  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  at ,  was  admitted  to  an 

examination  in  the  Hebrew  and  Greek  languages,  and 
the  different  branches  of  Theology  as  prescribed  in  the 
Constitution  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  and 
that  the  Classis  being  well  satisfied  of  his  gifts,  piety, 
and  qualifications  to  preach  the  Gospel,  did,  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Chiist,  the  King  and   Head  of  the 

Church,  resolve  that  the  said be,  and  hereby  is, 

allowed  and  authorized  as  a  candidate  for  the  sacred  min 
istry  within  their  bounds,  and  wherever  the  Providence 
of  God  may  call  him,  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  our  blessed 
Lord  and  Saviour.  And  the  said  Classis  recommend 
liim  to  the  esteem  and  attention  of  all  those  to  whom 
these  presents  may  come,  as  well  qualified  to  preach  a 
crucified  Saviour. 

The  Classis  do  fervently  pray,  that  the  great  Head  of 
the  Church  may  further  qualify  him  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  and  make  him  eminently  useful  in  that  part  ol 
His  vineyard  where  he  may  be  called. 

Done  in  Classis,  in  the ,  on  this day 

of ,  18 — . 

,  President. 

,  Clerk. 


^8  CONSTITUTION. 

No.  3. 
Form  of  Testimonial  of  Ordination. 

In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  Head 
of  the  Church,  to  all  whom  it  may  concern,  we  send 
greeting : 

Be  it  known  that was  admitted  by  the  Classis 

of  to  an  examination  on  the  different  branches  of 

Theology,  as  prescribed  in  the  Constitution  of  the 
Eeformed  Church  in  America,  preparatory  to  ordina- 
tion, and  the  Classis  being  well  satisfied  with  his  gifts', 
piety  and  qualifications  to  preach  th<;  Gospel  and  admin- 
ister the  Sacraments,  did,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  King  and  Head  of  the  Church,  resolve  that 

the  said be  ordained  to  the  Gospel  ministry,  and 

in  conformity  tp  said  resolution  did,  on  the day 

of ,  set  him  apart  solemnly  to  the  work  of  the 

sacred  ministry,  according  to  the  rites  and  forms  of  the 
Reformed  Church,  and  receive  him  into  ministerial 
communion.  And  the  said  Classis  do  recommend  him  to 
the  esteem  and  attention  of  all  those  to  whom  these  pres- 
ents shall  come,  as  qualified  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  to 
administer  the  Sacraments  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

The  Classis  do  fervently  pray  that  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church  may  abundantly  qualify  him  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  and  make  him  eminently  useful  in  that  part  of 
the  vineyard  where  he  may  be  called  to  labor. 


Done  in  Classis,  at ,  on  this day  of  - 

18 — . 


President. 


— .  Clerl-. 


FORMTJLAS.  49 


No.  4. 

Form  of  a  Certificate  of  the  Bismmon  of  a  Minister  from 

his  Congregation. 

This  certifies  that  the   undersigned,   by  request,  was 

present  at  a  meeting  of  the  Consistory  of  the  Church  of 

,  on  the  day  of ,  A.D., ,  and 

superintended  the  proceedings  thereof,  when  it  was  resolv- 
ed that  an  application  be  made  to  the  Classis  of 

for  a  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  connection  between  the 

Rev. and  said  Church ;  and  that  the  Rev.  .. 

declared  his  concurrence  in  such  application 


No.  5. 

Form  of  Certificate  of  Dismission  of  Church  Merribers. 

This  certifies,  that is  a  member  in  full  com- 
munion of  the  Reformed  Church  of ,  in  good 

and  regular  standing  ;   as  such is  at own 

request,  dismissed,  for  the  purpose  of  connecting 


with  the  Church  of ,  to  whose    Christian 

fellowship  and  confidence is  hereby  affectionately 

commended ;  and   when   received  by  them, pecu- 
liar relation  to  this  Church  shall  cease. 
By  order  of  Consistory. 

,  President. 

Given  at , ,  18 — . 

t^°  TMs  Certificate  is  valid  only  for  one  year  from  its  date,  except 
where  there  has  been  no  opportunity  of  presenting  it. 


60 


CONSTITUTION. 


No.  6. 

Form  of  the  Register  of  Baptisms. 


DATE  OP 
BAPTISH. 


KAME8  OP  THE  NAMES  OP  THE 
BAPTIZED.      PARENTS. 


TIKE  OP 
BIBTH. 


N.B.— In  recording  the  name  of  the  Mother,  give  her  family  or 
maiden  name. 


No.  7. 
Form  of  Certificate  of  Marriage. 
To  all  whom  it  may  concern :  This  certifies  that  the 

Bonds  of  Marriage  between  and were  by 

me  confirmed,  according  to  the  usages  of  the  Reformed 

Church  in  America,  on  the day  of  ,  in  the 

year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  . 

Given   at ,  this day  of , 

A.D.,  18-. 


Minifffer  of  the  Ileformed 
Ghurch  in  . 


FORMULAS. 


No.  8 
Form  of  Consistorial  Report. 


r 


Census 
NuMBEB  or  Families. 

[ On  Confession. 

a 

9 

a) 

05 

On  Certificate. 

Dismissed. 

Suspended. 

Died. 

Total  now  in  Com- 
munion. 

Infants. 

> 

1 

Adults. 

Number  of  Catechu- 
mens. 

o 

CD 

Number  of 
Sabbath  Schools. 

Total 
Number  of  Schol'rs. 

> 

i 

Religious  and  Be- 
nevolent Purposes. 

9 

Congregational 
I*urposcp. 

52 


CONSTITUTION. 


No.  9. 
Form  of  a  Classical  Report. 


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ation. 
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] 

FOBMULAS.  5B 

No.  10. 
Form  of  the  Citation  of  a  Person  accused. 

By  order  of  the ,*  you,  Mr.   A.  B. ,f  are 

hereby   summoned  X   to   appear  before   said  ,  and 

answer  to  the  charge  herewith  presented,  at ,  on 

the day  of  ,  at o'clock . 

(Signed)  ,  Prea. 

,  Glerk. 

Done  ill ,  at ,  this 

day  of ,  18—. 


No.  11. 
Form  of  the  Citation  of  Witnesses. 

By  order  of  the ,  §  you,  Mr.  A.  B. ,  ||  are 

hereby   summoned  **  to    appear  before   the  said , 

at ,  on  the day  of  ,  and  at o'clock 

in  the ,  to  give  your  testimony  in  the  case  of  C.  D., 

presently  under  process  for  censure  by  said . 

(Signed)  ,  Pre.^. 

,  Clerk. 


*  Consistory  of  the  Reformed  Church  at ,  or 

the  Claasis  of . 

t  Member  of,  or  Elder,  or  Deacon  in  said  Congregation  ;  or  Minister 
at ,  under  the  inspection  of  said  Classis. 

t  If  the  process  be  raised  at  the  instance  of  a  party  complaining, 
add,  after  "  summoned,"  at  the  instance  of  C.  D. 

§  Consistory  of  the  Reformed  Cburch  at ,  or 

the  Classis  of . 

i  Member  of,  or  Elder,  or  Deacon  in  said  Congregation  ;  or  Minister 
at ,  under  the  inspection  of  said  Classis,  and  if  the  witness  be- 
longs to  a  different  judicatory,  the  blank  is  to  be  filled  up  accordingly. 

**  If  the  process  be  raised  at  the  instance  of  a  party  complaining, 
add,  after  the  word  '"  summoned,"  at  the  instance  of  C.  D. 


II.— THE  RECEPTION  OF  MINISTERS. 

1.  No  licentiate  nor  ordained  minister,  from  any  other 
ecclesiastical  body,  shall  be  received  into  any  Classis  until, 
either  by  documentary  evidence  or  examination,  they  shall 
have  become  satisfied  of  his  competent  literary  qualifica- 
tions ;  nor  until,  upon  examination,  they  shall  also 
become  fully  satisfied  of  his  competent  theological  attain- 
ments, his  piety,  soundness  in  the  faith  and  ability  to 
teach,  and  shall  have  received  his  entire  assent  to  the 
standards  of  our  Church,  as  to  doctrine  and  discipline. 

2.  That  if  any  candidate  or  minister,  applying  for  ad- 
mission into  any  Classis,  shall,  in  the  judgment  of  Classis, 
have  sought  and  obtained  licensure  or  ordination  from 
any  ecclesiastical  organization  for  the  sake  of  an  easier' 
admission  into  our  Church  than  upon  the  strict  terms  en- 
joined upon  our  own  students  at  New  Brunswick,  it  shall 
be  considered  a  disqualification,  to  be  removed  only  by  a 
dispensation  from  the  General  Synod. 

3.  No  licentiate  shall  be  received  as  a  candidate  under 
the  care  of  Classis,  or  be  privileged  to  minister  in,  or  re 
ceive  a  call  from  our  Churches,  unless  he  shall  have  spent 
the  same  amount  of  time  in  actual  attendance  on  theologi- 
cal instruction  that  is  required  from  our  own  students  ; 
and  any  deficiency  in  this  respect  shall  be  made  up  by 
study  in  our  own  Seminary. 

4.  It  is  enjoined  on  the  Standing  Committee  on  Doc 
trine  in  the  several  Classes,  when  a  vacancy  occurs,  to 
send  to  such  vacant  church,  immediately,  a  list  of  the 
licentiates  of  our  own  Seminary,  and  to  use  their  endeav- 
ors to  procure  for  them  an  early  hearing  ;  and  it  is  rec- 
ommended to  the  consistories  of  our  Churches,  in  all 
cases,  promptly  to  endeavor  to  obtain  their  services. 

(54) 


KECEPTIOX    OF    MINIS  IKirs.  .»,> 

.").  Whenever  a  Cliur -l)  becomes  vp.cant.  ii  slia'l  be  the 
duty  of  the  Clas>-is  to  exercise  g-uardianship  over  it,  and 
when  requ  sted  by  ihc  consistory,  to  suj)ply  it  as  far  as 
]>racticable  by  their  pe  sonal  services — thus  preventiuj? 
the  disoro-anizin<x  intiuence  cf  casual  pnd  indis-riminato 
ministrations  ;  and  to  maintain  such  a  supervision  over 
it,  and  minister  such  aid  as  is  necessary  to  carry  out  these 
rules,  and  such  as  a  destitute  Church  is  entitled  to  claim 
from  its  very  relations. 

().  No  foreign  minister  shall  be  received  on  mere  pri- 
vate letters  of  introduction  or  recommendation  ;  but,  in 
all  cases,  full  ecclesiastical  certificates  shall  be  required. 

7.  Xi)  foreign  minister  shall  be  received  by  any  Classis, 
unless  he  shall  have  undergone  a  probation  of  one  year 
under  the  care  of  a  Classis,  and  shall  then  present  the 
same  testimonials,  and  undergo  the  examination  required 
by  the  first  of  these  rules. 

8.  These  rules  shall  be  inserted  in  some  conspicuous 
place  in  the  minute-books  of  the  respective  Classes. 


III.— RULES  OF  ORDER. 

1.  At  every  stated  meeting  of  the  Synod,  a  sermon  shall 
be  preached  by  the  last  President,  either  before  his  open- 
ing the  session  with  prayer,  or  at  some  time  afterward, 
which  the  Synod  shall  deem  most  convenient.  If  the  last 
President  and  the  Adsessor  be  absent,  the  oldest  minister 
present  shall  take  his  place  and  perform  the  above  duties. 

3.  The  President  and  Adsessor  shall  be  elected  by  bal- 
lot, by  a  majoi  ity  of  all  the  members  present ;  and  if 
after  the  first  vote  there  is  no  election,  the  choice  shall  be 
made  from  the  two  who  have  the  highest  number  of  votes. 
The  clerks  shall  be  elected  by  plurality. 

3.  The  duties  of  the  President  shall  be  : 

(1.)  To  take  the  chair  at  the  hour  to  which  the  Synod 
stands  adjourned. 

(2.)  To  open  and  conclude  with  prayer. 

(3.)  To  direct  the  Clerk,  immediately  after  a  quorum  has 
appeared,  to  call  the  roll. 

(4.)  To  censure  absentees  when  their  absence  shall  be 
judged  not  to  have  been  necessary. 

(5.)  To  propound  the  subjects  for  deliberation. 

(6.)  To  confine  speakers  to  the  point,  and  to  save  them 
from  unnecessary  interruption. 

(7.)  To  state  and  put  the  question,  when  the  members 
are  prepared  to  vote. 

(8.)  To  prevent  members  from  leaving  the  Synod  with- 
out permission. 

(9.)  To  decide  questions  of  order,  subject,  however,  to  an 
appeal  to  the  house  by  any  two  members. 

(10.)  To  give, the  casting  vote  in  all  equal  divisions. 

(11.)  And,  in  general,  to  maintain  the  order  and  dignity 
becoming  the  judicatory  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

4.  After  calling  the  roll,  the  minutes  of  the  last  sit- 

(56) 


RULES    OF    ORDER.  .>i 

tino-  shall  be  read,  and  considered  as  open  to  correction. 
The  business  on  the  minutes  of  the  last  meeting  or  sit- 
ting, shall,  without  powerful  reasons,  bo  taken  up  and 
concluded  first,  in  the  order  in  which  it  stands,  before  any 
new  business  be  introduced. 

5.  A  motion  made  must  be  seconded,  and  afterwards 
repeated,  or  read  aloud  from  the  Chair,  before  it  is  de- 
bated ;  and  every  motion  except  a  motion  for  adjourn- 
ment, shall  be  reduced  to  writing  if  any  member  require  it. 

6.  An  amendment  may  be  made  to  any  motion,  and  it 
shall  be  decided  before  the  original  motion.  It  may  be, 
in  its  turn,  suspended  by  an  amendment  to  itself,  which 
must  first  be  considered  and  decided.  But  no  additional 
amendment  to  an  original  motion  can  be  received  until 
the  previous  one  has  been  disposed  of. 

7.  When  a  question  is  under  debate,  no  motion  shall 
be  received  except  to  adjourn,  to  lay  on  the  table,  to 
postpone  indefinitely,  to  postpone  to  a  certain  time,  to 
commit  to  a  standing  committee,  to  a  select  one,  or  to  the 
committee  of  the  whole,  to  amend,  or  for  the  previous 
question ;  which  motions  shall  have  precedence  in  the 
order  stated. 

8.  When  the  previous  question  is  moved  and  seconded, 
it  shall  be  in  this  form  :  "  Shall  the  main  question  be 
now  put  ?"  and  until  it  be  decided  all  amendments  and 
debate  shall  be  inadmissible.  If  the  vote  be  in  the 
affirniatue,  the  original  motion  shall  be  immediately  put, 
without  further  amendment  or  debate.  Bnt  if  there  be 
an  amendment  or  amendments  pending  at  the  time,  the 
question  shall  first  be  taken  on  such  amendment  or 
amendments  in  their  proper  order,  without  debate.  If 
the  vote  be  in  the  negative,  the  debate  shall  continue  as 
before. 

9.  A  question  shall  not  be  called  up  or  reconsidered  at 


58  CONSTITUTION. 

the  same  session  of  the  Synod  at  which  it  was  decided, 
unless  by  consent  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present. 

10.  No  member  shall  be  allowed  to  protest  against  any 
of  the  acts  of  the  Synod  ;  but  any  member  who  dissent.< 
from  any  such  acts  shall  have  a  right  to  require  the  names 
of  all  the  members  present,  who  vote  for  or  a::ainst  the 
same,  to  be  entered  in  the  minutes,  and  published  there- 
with for  the  information  of  all  concerned.  In  other  cases, 
the  yeas  and  nays  shall  not  be  recorded  unless  on  the  de- 
mand of  one-fifth  of  the  members  present. 

11.  The  mover  and  seconder  of  a  motion  may  withdraw 
it  before  debate  has  commenced  on  it,  but  not  afterwards, 
unless  by  leave  of  Synod. 

12.  In  filling  blanks,  when  various  motions  are  made, 
the  vote  shall  always  be  first  on  the  highest  number  and 
longest  time. 

13.  Every  member  shall  rise  and  address  himself  to  the 
President  only,  closely  attending  to  the  subject  in  debate, 
avoiding  all  personal  reflections ;  and  no  member,  without 
the  special  permission  of  the  Synod,  shall  speak  more  than 
twice  on  the  same  subject.  When  two  or  more  membe's 
rise  to  speak  at  the  same  time,  the  President  shall  deter- 
mine who  of  them  shall  be  heard  first. 

14.  After  the  President  has  begun  to  take  the  vote,  or 
the  Clerk  to  call  the  roll  on  a  division  of  the  house,  no 
debate  nor  remark  shall  be  allowed. 

15.  A  motion  to  adjourn  or  to  lay  on  the  table,  and  all 
motions  in  relation  to  priority  of  business,  shall  be  decided 
without  debate.  The  motion  to  postpone  or  to  commit 
shall  preclude  all  debate  of  the  main  question. 

16.  When  an  appeal  is  taken  from  a  decision  of  the 
Chair  on  a  point  of  order,  the  President  shall  have  the 
right  to  explain  the  grounds  of  his  decision,  but  the  ap- 
peal shall  be  decided  by  the  house  without  debate. 


RULES    OF    ORDER.  59 

17.  No  member  shall  leave  the  Synod  to  return  home  or 
for  other  business  without  their  consent  ;  nor  shall  mem- 
bers, without  express  permission,  engai^e  in  private  con- 
versation, go  from  or  change  their  seats  during  the  trans- 
action of  business  ;  interrupt  another  when  he  is  speaking, 
except  he  be  out  of  order,  or  to  corrsct  mistakes  and  mis- 
representations ;  and  if  any  member  act  indecently  ov 
disorderly,  contrary  to  these  rules,  the  President  shall  re- 
prove or  otherwise  censure  him,  as  the  Synod  shall  judge 
pr>)per ;  the  member  still  having  the  privilege,  if  he 
think  himself  denied  any  right  or  unjustly  blamed  by 
the  President,  of  respectfully  and  modestly  requiring  the 
decision  nf  the  house  in  the  case, 

18.  All  the  sittings  of  General  Synod  shall  be  concluded 
by  regular  adjournment  and  prayer. 

19.  At  the  close  of  every  session  of  General  Synod  the 
roll  shall  be  called,  and  the  names  of  those  who  are  absent 
without  permission  shall  be  recorded. 

20.  Standing  Committees  : 

(1.)  Professorate. 

(2.)  Overtures. 

(3.)  Syufxlical  Minutes. 

(4.)  Domestic  Missions. 

(5)  Foreign  Missions. 

(6.)  Stat.'  of  Religion. 

(7.)  Education. 

(8.)  Judicial  Bu.-siness. 

(9.)  Widows'  and  Disabled  Ministers'  Funds. 
(10.)  Publication. 
(11.)  Nominations. 
(12.)  Correspondence. 
(13.)  Accounts. 
(14.)  Leave  of  Absence. 
(15.)  Board  of  Direction. 


60  CONSTITUTION. 

21.  All  distinctive  titles  or  appendages  to  the  names  of 
members  of  Synod  shall  be  omitted  in  recording-  the  min- 
utes of  this  Synod  :  such  distinctive  title  being  prefixed 
or  appended  to  the  name  of  the  member  in  the  list  of 
members  constituting  the  Synod. 

22.  Primarii  and  Secundi : 

(1.)  When  a  Primarius  shall  find  it  impracticable  to  at- 
tend the  judicatory  to  which  he  is  delegated,  it  shall  be 
his  duty  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  notify  a  Secundus,  and 
when  he  shall  take  his  seat  it  shall  not  be  vacated  to  give 
place  to  the  Primarius. 

(2.)  At  the  commencement  of  the  session,  the  members 
delegated,  whether  Primarii  or  Secundi,  shall  be  recog- 
nized and  recorded,  but  when  the  Primariu?  shall  appear 
at  any  subsequent  period  of  the  session,  then  the  Prima- 
rius shall  take  the  seat  of  the  Secundus,  and  the  Secundus 
shall  not  be  considered  a  member  again,  unless  by  request 
of  the  Primarius,  and  express  permission  obtained  by  the 
Synod. 

23.  Judicial  Business : 

(1.)  Any  appeal,  complaint,  or  other  judicial  business, 
which  shall  be  presented  or  reported  to  the  Synod,  shall 
be  first  refened,  with  all  the  papers  and  documents  apper- 
taining thereto,  to  the  Committee  on  Judicial  Bus^iness, 
who  shall  inquire  whether  the  same  has  been  regularly 
brought  before  the  Synod,  and  whether  all  the  constitu- 
tional steps  in  the  ease  have  been  taken,  and,  if  the  same 
shall  be  found  in  order,  they  shall  digest  and  arrange  all 
the  papers  and  documents  connected  there witb,  that  the 
subsequent  proceedings  in  the  case  before  the  Synod  may 
be  regular  and  systematic ;  provided,  nevertheless,  that 
the  said  committee  shall  be  required  to  report  upon  every 
matter  that  may  be  referred  to  them. 

(2.)  Whenever  any  case  thus  reported  shall  be  taken 


RULES    OF    OKDEK.  61 

up  for  trial,  the  President  shall  solemnly  announce  from 
the  Chair  that  the  Synod  is  about  to  proceed  to  the  con- 
sideration of  judicial  business,  and  enjoin  on  the  members 
to  rt'coilect  and  reo-ard  their  character  as  judges  of  the 
highest  court  of  Jesus  Christ  on  earth,  known  to  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  Reformed  [Dutch]  Church  ;  after  which  it 
shall  not  be  in  order,  during  the  pending  of  such  trial,  to 
transact  any  legislative  business  bearing  on  the  case. 

(3.)  In  ;ecording  their  decision,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  court  who  have  tried  any  judicial  business  in  the 
original  case,  or  by  appeal,  to  set  forth  at  length  the 
reasons-  thereof,  that  the  record  may  exhibit,  as  far  as 
practicable,  everything  that  had  an  influence  on  their 
j  udgiuent ;  a  certified  copy  of  which,  with  the  act  of  pro- 
ceediiig  appeal  from,  shall  be  sent  up  by  them  to  the 
court  to  whom  the  appeal  may  be  taken.  Such  inferior 
court  shall  also  be  permitted  to  send  a  commissioner  to 
the  Synod,  for  the  purpose  of  making  any  explanations 
relative  to  said  case,  it  being  expressly  understood  that  in 
every  case  the  original  parties  be  not  lost  sight  of  in  any 
stage  of  trial. 

(4.)  In  taking  up  an  appeal,  after  having  asccrt'Mned 
that  the  appellant  has  conducted  it  regularly,  the  follow- 
ing shall  be  the  order  of  trial : 

[1.]  The  sentence  appealed  from  shall  be  read. 

[3.]  The  appeal  and  reasons  of  appeal  shall  be  read. 

[3.]  All  the  documents  in  the  case  shall  be  read,  in  the 
order  prescribed  by  the  Committee  on  Judicial  Business. 

[4.]  The  original  parties  shall  be  heard,  commencing 
with  the  appellant. 

[5.]  The  commissioner  of  the  inferior  judicatory  which 
has  tried  the  appeal  may  be  heard  in  explanation  of  the 
grounds  of  their  decision,  and  of  the  manner  of  their  pro- 
ceeding in  the  case. 


62  COXSTITUTIOX. 

[6.]  The  appellant  may  be  heard  in  reply. 

(5.)  After  all  the  parties  shall  have  been  fully  heard, 
and  all  the  information  gained  by  the  Synod  which  shall 
be  deemed  necessary,  the  parties  shall  withdraw,  when 
the  roll  shall  be  called,  that  every  member  may  have  an 
opportunity  to  express  his  opinion  on  the  case,  after  which 
the  final  vote  may  be  taken. 

(6.)  The  decision  may  be  either  to  confirm  or  reverse, 
in  whole  or  in  part,  the  judgment  of  the  inferior  judicatory, 
or  to  remit  the  cause,  with  instructions  or  for  a  new  trial. 

(7.)  In  the  trial  of  all  judicial  business  brought  before 
the  Synod  by  complaint  or  reference,  the  same  order  of 
proceeding  shall  be  observed,  as  far  as  practicable,  as  in 
cases  of  appeal,  but  no  complaint  shall  be  entertained 
unless  notice  of  the  same  shall  have  been  given  before  the 
rising  of  the  judicatory  whose  act  is  complained  of,  or 
within  ten  days  thereafter. 

24.  Religious  Exercises : 

(1.)  The  afternoon  of  the  first  day  shall  be  devoted  to 
exercises  of  prayer  and  praise. 

(2.)  The  first  half-hour  of  eaoh  subsequent  morning  ses- 
sion shall  be  so  spent  after  the  reading  of  the  minutes. 

(3.)  The  Lord's  Supper  shall  be  observed  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  second  day. 

(4.)  A  sermon  in  behalf  of  the  benevolent  operations  of 
the  Church  shall  be  preached  on  the  evening  of  the  sixth 
day  of  the  session. 

25.  The  morning  of  the  third  day  of  the  session  shall  be 
devoted  to  the  purpose  of  hearing  from  the  secretaries  of 
our  various  Boards  such  oral  statements  as  they  shall  see 
fit  to  make  ;  after  which,  an  opportunity  shall  be  afforded 
for  a  free  interchange  of  opinion  and  feeling  among  the 
members  of  the  Synod  in  regard  to  the  benevolent  opera- 
tions of  the  Church. 


RULES    OF    ORDER.  63 

26.  A  riile  of  order  may  be  suspended  for  the  time  by 
unanimous  consent. 

27.  These  rules  (except  23,  23,  24.  and  25)  shall  be  read 
at  the  opening  of  each  General  Synod. 


INDEX   TO   THE   CONSTITUTION. 


PAGir 

Amendmenl  s  to  the  Constitution 45 

Appeals  42-<i5 

Assemblies,  ecclesiastical  23 

what  kind  of  business  to  do 23 

their  olficers 23 

must  open  and  close  with  prayer 23 

members  must  have  signed  credentials . .  23 

Baptism,  who  may  administer I'J,  15 

in  what  place 35,  36 

must  be  recorded 25 

Baptized  persons,  members  of  the  Church 37 

Call  of  a  minister,  who  may  make  it 2 1,  '^d 

must  be  approved  by  Classis 26 

its  form  2:.  2S 

Candidate  for  the  ministry,  qualifications 11, 13 

cannot  administer  sacraments '. 13 

is  under  care  of  Classis 13 

how  to  act  upon  calls 13, 14 

form  of  his  license 47 

Canons  of  Dort  to  be  assented  to 12, 14,  19 

Catechizing  of  youth  required 15,  2T,  32 

Censura  Momm  required 25,  32 

Certificate,  professorial 12 

of  licensure 13,  47 

of  ordination 15,48 

of  dismission  of  a  minister 49 

of  dismission  of  church  members 26,  49 

Citation,  of  accused  persons 40,  63 

of^vitnessee  40,68 

(65) 


66  INDEX. 

Cla<sis,  by  whom  foiined 30,  33 

what  it  coni?ists  of 30 

it s  powers 30 

is  to  examine  students 30 

lnu^^ t  meet  semi-annually 31 

sj>ecial  meetings,  how  called 31 

must  i^euil  minutes  to  Particular  Synod 33 

I-  eep  book  of  formula Ji 

require  statistics 26 

put  yearly^iquiries 32 

10  report  annually  to  the  Synod  licensures,  ordinations  and 

remoA'als  of  ministers. 31 

to  appoint  delegates  to  Particular  Synod 32 

to  nominate  delegates  to  General  Synod 32 

may  form  new  Consistories 24 

separate  combined  29,  30 

authorize  excommunication 41,  42 

must  have  a  standing  committee  on  vacant  congregations —  17 

Collegiate  Churches,  their  representation  in  Classis 30 

Complaints,  when  allowed 42 

their  eftect  ..     .  43,44 

Oojisistories,  how  constituted 24,  25 

how  chosen 21,  22 

quorum  25 

the  minister  to  preside  at  their  meetings 24 

have  the  right  to  call  ministers 26 

yet  must  consult  Great  Consistory  or  congregation  at  large. .  29 

must  keep  minutes  and  report  to  Classis 25,  26 

observe  Censiira  Morum  26 

Consistory,  Great    -•■,  -'J 

Correspondence  of  Synods 33 

of  General  Synod  with  other  bodies 34 

Counsel,  professional,  not  allowed 41 

Credentials  of  delegates  to  be  signed 23 

Deacons,  their  office 21 

quorum 25 

rights  in  Consistory 24 

how  chosen 21,  22 

term  of  office 22 

joint  powers  with  elders 24 

Discipline,  its  objects 37 

nature 37 


mDEx.  6 


Discipline,  its  subjects 37 

Di^misi'ion  of  a  member 26,49 

of  a  minister  16,  30,  49 

Dispensations  from  study,  when  and  by  whom  granted  13 

Ecc]e"^iastical  assemblies  to  open  and  close  with  prayer 28 

Elders,  office  of '^1 

have  spiritual  government 24,  25 

how  chosen. , 21,  22 

quorum  of 25 

joint  powers  with  deacons 24 

Emeritus,  who  and  when  declared 16 

Examination,  of  students. 12 

of  candidates 13, 14 

must  be  careful  30 

by  whom  made 80,  31 

of  licentiates  or  ministers  of  other  churches 17, 18,  54 

of  foreigners 55 

Excommuuication,  when  allowed 41 

only  by  advice  of  Classis 41 

how  conducted 42 

how  reversed 42 

Fama  Clamosa.,  what  constitutes  it 38 

Family  Yiriitation,  required 15,  32 

Foreign  Ministers,  rule  concerning IT,  To 

Foreign  Missionary  Fields,  Synods  allowed  to  grant  dispensations 

there T  35 

Groat  Consistory,  its  nature  and  function  . .  29,  30 

Oeneral  Synod,  its  constitution 34 

to  meet  annually 34 

quorum  of 34 

delegate's  seat,  when  vacated 34,  60 

criginal  cognizance 34 

ajipellate  jurisdiction 35 

special  meetings 35 

Heidelberg  Catechism,  to  be  assented  to — 12,  14,  20 

to  be  regularly  explained 27,  28,  32 

Informers,  liability  of 37 

Ipso  facto  dismissions,  of  ministers 3[l 

of  members  39 

Jurisdiction  of  a  Classis  over  a  Consistory  defined 30 

Lord's  Supper,  by  whom  administered 13,  15 

how  often  36 


6S  INDEX. 

Lord's  Supper,  in  what  way  administered 36 

suspension  from 41 

Limitation  of  time  for  accusations 41 

Marriages,  to  be  recorded 25 

form  of  certificate  of 50 

Members,  how  received 25 

how  dismissed 26 

form  of  dismission 49 

Ministers  of  the  Word,  office  of 15 

must  be  regularly  ordained 11 

are  all  equal 17 

from  other  bodies  to  be  examined  before  received 17, 18,  54 

to  preside  at  all  Consistorial  meetings 24 

when  suspended 29 

are  for  life 16 

may  become  emeritus 16 

Ministers  without  charge,  limitation  of 16 

Minutes,  must  be  kept 26 

sent  to  Classis 26 

to  Particular  Synod —  33 

to  General  Synod 33 

Ordination,  how  conducted 15 

Offences,  private,  nature  of. 37 

how  to  be  dealt  with 87 

public,  nature  of 38 

principal  ones 38 

limitation  of  time  in  bringing  forward 41 

Particular  Synods,  by  whom  constituted 35 

of  whom  composed 32 

their  powers —  33 

their  quorum 32 

meet  annually 33 

annual  report  to  the  General  Synod 33 

special  meeiings 3:) 

Private  Baptism,  when  allowed 36 

conditions  of 36 

Process  and  Trial ^>^ 

Professors  of  Theology,  how  chosen 18 

duties  of  li^i  46 

must  sign  formula 1!' 

cannot  be  pastors  or  members  of  church  judicatories 20 

are  amenable  to  General  Synod 19 


INDEX.  69 

Profesfjors  of  Theology,  resiguation  of  office 20 

Protestrf  not  allowed  24 

substitute  for 24 

Psalins  and  Hymus,  what  allowed 3(i 

Quorum  of  a  Consistory 25 

of  a  Classis 30 

of  Particular  Synod. 32 

of  General  Synod 34 

Registers  required 25 

Sacraments 35,  36 

who  may  administer 13,  15 

Students  in  Theology,  credentials  required  of 12 

examination  of 12 

Synods,  see  Particular  and  General. 

Temporal  Contract,  form  of 28 

inquiry  into . .  32 

Vacant  churches,  control  of  their  pulpits 17,  55 

Witnesses,  to  he  sworn  or  affirmed 40 

how  cited 40 

fonn  of  citation , 53 

to  be  more  than  one 40 

their  evidence  to  be  recorded 40 

Worship,  Order  of  . .   36 


Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  01131   0184 


